Bill > HB1391

This bill establishes the Hawaii-Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism as an administrative body consisting of eleven members appointed by the governor (5 members), the speaker of the house (3 members), and the senate president (3 members). Each member will serve a four-year term and must have knowledge of or interest in Irish affairs or trade relations between Hawaii and Ireland. The commission's primary objectives include advancing bilateral trade and investment, initiating joint policy actions, promoting business and academic exchanges, encouraging economic support and infrastructure investment between Hawaii and Ireland, and addressing other mutually determined issues. Members will serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses. The commission is required to submit an annual report to the legislature and governor starting in 2027, with initial appointments to be made by October 1, 2025. The bill also appropriates $75,000 from general state revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund out-of-state relations activities, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1391&year=2025