Bill > HB1391

This bill establishes the Hawaii-Ireland Trade Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, comprising eleven members appointed by the governor, speaker of the house, and senate president. The commission will focus on advancing bilateral trade and investment between Hawaii and Ireland, including initiating joint policy actions, promoting business and academic exchanges, encouraging economic support and infrastructure investments, and addressing mutually relevant issues. Members will serve four-year terms without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and must have knowledge of or interest in Irish affairs or trade relations. The commission is required to submit an annual report to the legislature and governor beginning in 2027, with the first appointments to be made by October 1, 2025. The bill also appropriates $75,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund out-of-state relations activities, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2025. The commission will operate administratively within the department and can adopt rules to implement its responsibilities.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1391&year=2026