HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1909
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to small business.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the department of business, economic development, and tourism, the Maui small business rent subsidization grant program.

(b) Upon demonstration to the department that a small business was displaced by the 2023 Maui wildfires, and subject to available funds, the department shall award a grant to the small business to help the small business pay rent in an alternative location on the island of Maui.

(c) The grant amount to each small business shall be the lesser of per cent of the small business' monthly rent times twelve or $ . The small business' monthly rent may include actual or estimated common area maintenance charges.

(d) A small business may be awarded a subsequent grant under the program not less than twelve months after receipt of a previous grant under the program.

(e) The Maui small business rent subsidization grant program shall cease to exist on June 30, 2027.

(f) For purposes of this Act:

"Department" means the department of business, economic development, and tourism.

"Small business" means a for-profit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, sole proprietorship, or other legal entity that:

(1) Is domiciled and authorized to do business in Hawaii;

(2) Is independently owned and operated; and

(3) Employs fewer than fifteen full-time or part-time employees in Hawaii with income subject to taxation under chapter 235, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 2. In accordance with section 9 of article VII, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ , or per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that the appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest and to meet the needs provided for by this Act.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the Maui small business rent subsidization grant program.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Small Business; Maui Wildfires; Rent Subsidy; Appropriation; General Fund Expenditure Ceiling Exceeded

Description:

Establishes the Maui small business rent subsidization grant program to assist small businesses displaced by the 2023 Maui wildfires to pay rent at new locations on Maui. Appropriates moneys. Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.