Bill > SB1299

This bill requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), a state agency focused on innovation and economic diversification, to establish and implement technology enablement projects specifically designed to help small businesses in the tourism sector. Recognizing that tourism is a crucial but vulnerable economic pillar in Hawaii, the bill aims to support these businesses by helping them adopt digital tools like online booking systems, marketing platforms, and data analytics to improve their competitiveness and resilience. The HTDC will be responsible for collaborating with other state or county agencies as needed to execute these projects and must submit a comprehensive report to the legislature by December 2025, detailing the status of the technology enablement initiatives and any recommended legislation. To fund these efforts, the bill appropriates $250,000 for each of the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, which will be used by HTDC to directly support small tourism-related businesses in adopting and leveraging technology to overcome challenges such as seasonal fluctuations, economic shifts, and geographic isolation. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, signaling the state's commitment to helping small tourism businesses innovate and adapt in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1299&year=2026