Bill > HB449

This bill aims to support economic development in Hawaii by providing funding and resources to the INNOVATE Hawaii program, which is part of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation's efforts to assist local manufacturers. The bill requires the corporation to prioritize funding for small Hawaii-based manufacturers with fewer than 100 employees, focusing on local product development, advanced manufacturing, and workforce training. The corporation must submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the businesses assisted, funding allocated, economic impacts (such as jobs created and revenue increases), challenges encountered, and recommendations for future funding. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to be used exclusively for technological upgrades, equipment acquisition, workforce training, marketing of Hawaii-made products, and research and development of manufacturing techniques. INNOVATE Hawaii is part of a national network of 52 manufacturing extension program centers and is funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's manufacturing extension partnership, with a mission of supporting the reshoring of manufacturing in the United States and helping local manufacturers improve their operations and competitiveness.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=449&year=2026