Bill > SB2816

This bill expands the State Enterprise Zones Program by allowing the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to designate up to two census tracts containing an "innovation enterprise" as enterprise zones, subject to the Governor's approval; an "innovation enterprise" is defined as an area on state-owned property supporting businesses in fields like biomedical research, medical technology, aerospace technology, and information technology design and production. The bill also broadens the definition of "eligible business activity" within these zones to explicitly include research and development in aerospace technology and information technology design and production services, alongside existing categories like manufacturing and agricultural processing, while excluding medical cannabis dispensary activities. Furthermore, DBEDT is required to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing enterprise zones program, in consultation with the Department of Taxation, and report its findings to the Legislature by early 2027, with the entire act taking effect on July 1, 2050.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2816&year=2026