THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3240

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that federal defense‑related contracting represents a significant share of Hawaii's economy and provides substantial opportunities for local businesses and residents.  The legislature further finds that federal investment in military and defense activities has increased substantially in recent years, with congressional appropriations for defense growing by approximately $1,000,000,000 annually over the past few fiscal years.

     The legislature also finds that, consistent with the organization and purpose of the executive branch under chapter 26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, effective coordination among state agencies and between state, federal, and military partners is a core governmental function necessary for the efficient administration of public programs and services.  The military and community relations office serves as the State's central point of coordination on military and defense-related matters.  Strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of this office will improve intergovernmental coordination, enhance communication and responsiveness, and support the effective delivery of public services related to defense activities, workforce development, infrastructure, and community relations.

     Additionally, the legislature finds that Hawaii, due to its strategic location and military presence, captures a meaningful portion of federal defense investment, and that defense-related expenditures constitute a significant share of the State's economy, relative to other states.  Increasing Hawaii's ability to compete for and perform federal work requires coordinated investments in:

     (1)  Local business readiness and compliance support;

     (2)  Workforce education-to-career pathways that lead to job placement; and

     (3)  In-state advanced manufacturing, repair, and sustainment capacity that strengthens the State's industrial base and reduces long lead times for critical parts and services.

     The legislature believes that effective workforce and industry development efforts must align training with employer demand, connect participants to internships and job placement, and track measurable outcomes through periodic reporting.  The legislature also believes that strategic coordination is necessary to integrate the exposure of students in grades kindergarten through twelve to early college opportunities, internships, and direct-to-career pathways, and to align workforce development with Hawaii's evolving industrial and defense-related needs.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen Hawaii's defense-related workforce pathways, local business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity and improve public service delivery, economic resilience, and the State's ability to capture and retain federal investment by making an appropriation to the military and community affairs office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination and effective administration of defense-related programs.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out intergovernmental coordination, communication, and program administration responsibilities related to military and defense activities, workforce development, business readiness, and in‑state manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

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

     SECTION 3.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism, through the military and community relations office, may collaborate with other state departments and agencies, federal and military partners, educational institutions, and private-sector stakeholders, as appropriate, to carry out the purposes of this Act

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DBEDT; Military and Community Relations Office; Intergovernmental coordination; Defense-related workforce development; Advanced manufacturing and sustainment; Business readiness; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism through the Military Affairs Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for military and defense activities.

 

 

 

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