STAND. COM. REP. NO. 533

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1482

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 1482 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds to the Aerospace Development Office within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Bushtex, Inc.; HNu Photonics, LLC; and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's strategic near-equatorial location, substantial telemetry, space surveillance, Moon- and Mars-like terrain, resident expertise in a broad range of aerospace-related technologies, and long-standing ties with space-faring nations throughout the Asia-Pacific region are strategic assets and capabilities that can be leveraged to help realize humankind's full potential in space, and in doing so establish the State as a major contributor to and beneficiary of global space enterprise. Your Committee believes that establishing the Hawaii Office of Aerospace Development will provide a focal point within state government to facilitate dialogue and coordination among Hawaii's public, private, and academic sectors, and between state-based entities and public and private overseas organizations to promote the growth and diversification of Hawaii's aerospace industry. This measure will allow the State to more efficiently direct its resources in the field of aerospace by establishing the Aerospace Development Office within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and making an appropriation to further its purpose.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1482 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

________________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair