SB1482

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that aerospace has played a pivotal role in expanding and diversifying the national economy by forging new inroads to scientific discovery, advancing national engineering and manufacturing expertise, pioneering innovations in communications and computer technologies, enhancing surveillance of our home planet, and enabling better understanding of weather systems and climate change. Today, the aerospace industry holds great potential to enable future innovation in science and technology. 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 so doing establish the State as a major contributor to and beneficiary of global space enterprise. Historically, Hawaii has played a seminal role in developing the nation's space program through astronaut training and the development of world-class observatories. Today, Hawaii continues to support national space efforts through a wide range of aerospace-related activities on all major islands, including the Mauna Kea science reserve on Hawaii island, the Air Force Maui optical and supercomputing observatory on Maui, the University of Hawaii's institute for astronomy and Hawaii institute for geophysics and planetology on Oahu, and the Pacific missile range facility on Kauai.

The legislature further finds 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. By establishing the office of aerospace development, the State can more efficiently direct its resources in the field of aerospace to further address these needs.

The purpose of this Act is to establish the aerospace development office within the Hawaii technology development corporation.

SECTION 2. Chapter 201, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part . aerospace development office

§201- Definitions. As used in this part:

"Director" means the director of the aerospace development office.

"Office" means the aerospace development office.

§201- Aerospace development office; establishment. (a) There is established an aerospace development office in the Hawaii technology development corporation.

(b) The director shall have experience, knowledge, and expertise in space-related activities and development. The director shall be nominated and appointed by the governor without regard to chapter 76.

(d) The director and employees of the office shall be included in any benefit program generally applicable to the officers and employees of the State.

§201- Powers and duties of director. In addition to any other powers and duties provided in this part, the director shall:

(1) Oversee, supervise, and direct the planning, evaluation, and coordination of space-related activities and identify and promote opportunities for expanding and diversifying aerospace-related industries, including but not limited to applied optics, astronomy and astrophysics, aviation, dual-use technology, environmental monitoring, meteorology, remote sensing, robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles such as drones, satellite communications, and commercial space launch in the State;

(2) Initiate discussions for private and international involvement in space-related activities in the State;

(3) Serve as a catalyst in forging partnerships between the University of Hawaii and businesses in the State to:

(A) Improve the relevance and quality of university training to support the growth and diversification of Hawaii's aerospace industry;

(B) Identify entrepreneurial opportunities for commercializing innovative spin-offs from basic research; and

(4) Assist the University of Hawaii, local companies, research institutions, and other interested organizations in establishing partnerships with corporate, government, and university entities overseas that can promote and enhance the State's aerospace industry;

(5) Leverage aerospace and related technological capabilities in the State's academic, public, and private sectors to enhance the State's ability to procure both federal and private research and development grants and to increase the State's competitiveness in national and global aerospace markets;

(6) Promote innovative education and workforce development programs that will enhance public awareness of the State's aerospace potential and enable residents to pursue employment in Hawaii's aerospace industry;

(7) Monitor national and global trends in the aerospace industry and recommend programs and policies that can support aerospace industry development statewide;

(8) Serve as a central point of contact that can respond to both inquiries from inside and outside the State concerning Hawaii's aerospace-related interests and activities;

(9) Review the effectiveness of present publications, pamphlets, and other sources of information about Hawaii's space-related activities produced and distributed by the State;

(10) Have the office serve as a clearinghouse for information on Hawaii's space-related activities, to include but not be limited to, those of the University of Hawaii and federal agencies located in Hawaii;

(11) Target existing businesses that can provide products or services of importance to the space industry to support the expansion of related businesses in Hawaii;

(12) Increase contact and maintain liaison with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other federal agencies and facilities;

(13) Institute procedures by which citizen input on proposed space facilities development shall be invited at the earliest possible time in the development process;

(14) Adopt, amend, and repeal rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to carry out this part;

(15) Contract for services as may be necessary for the purposes of this part; and

(16) Do all other things necessary or proper to carry out the purposes of this part.

§201- Space vehicles; prohibitions. Any vehicle launched into space from the land or ocean territory of the State shall not carry weapons of destruction, nuclear waste materials, or use radioactive materials as a power source."

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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment of the aerospace development office within the Hawaii technology development corporation.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii technology development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1482
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII