STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2970

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2907

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2907, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MARINE AFFAIRS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support and grow Hawaii's blue economy by recognizing, promoting, and establishing the State as an ocean cluster and a globally unique hub for ocean- and aquatic-centered culture, stewardship, economic opportunity, and innovation.

Specifically, the measure:

(1) Establishes the Office of Marine Affairs within the Office of the Governor for administrative purposes; redesignates the Governor's Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs, established by executive order, as the Office of Marine Affairs; and transfers related powers, functions, duties, officers, employees, appropriations, records, and equipment;

(2) Establishes the Marine Affairs Task Force as the governing body of the Office of Marine Affairs and a Marine Affairs Coordinator position to administer the Office of Marine Affairs;

(3) Repeals statutory provisions regarding the powers and duties of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism that relate to marine affairs; and

(4) Appropriates an unspecified sum for the Marine Affairs Coordinator position.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Namaka Algae, Inc.; Blue Startups; Ocean Era, Inc.; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; International Economic Development Council; Privateer Space, Inc.; Marine Genetics LLC; Hawaii Ocean Power Solutions, LLC; Hohonu; Pacific Impact Zone; WaiHome; and five individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority.

Your Committee finds that the ocean economy, commonly referred to as the blue economy, represents one of the fastest‑growing economic opportunities globally. Your Committee believes that designating and prioritizing Hawaii as an ocean cluster and establishing the Office of Marine Affairs will help the State promote and expand Hawaii's blue economy, leverage the State's existing strengths, support technological innovation, explore emerging opportunities, promote diversified economic growth, and facilitate a broad range of blue economy activities.

Your Committee recognizes the written comments offered by the Office of the Governor recommending that the Office of Marine Affairs be housed within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2907, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair