Bill > HB603

This bill appropriates state funds to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to convene a working group focused on developing a Native Hawaiian Marketing Program designed to support and promote businesses owned by Native Hawaiians. The OHA will engage with stakeholders to design the program, assess its implementation strategy, and evaluate its long-term sustainability. The bill requires OHA to submit detailed reports to the legislature before the 2026 and 2027 regular sessions, which must include information about the program's design, implementation progress, relevant data, and any proposed legislation related to the marketing program. While the specific funding amount is not specified in the bill text (indicated by a blank space), the appropriation will cover fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with funds to be used exclusively for developing and exploring the Native Hawaiian business marketing initiative. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, which appears to be a placeholder date and likely means July 1 of the next available fiscal year.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=603&year=2026