HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1326

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the Pacific international space center for exploration systems is an economic driver for the State that promotes the establishment and growth of new, sustainable, and green industries; associated jobs; workforce development; internships; and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.

     The legislature further finds that the center's work in technologies for sustaining human exploration often has terrestrial applications in Hawaii that promote and expand economic development opportunities for the State outside of the aerospace sector.  The development of these technologies could advance both the frontiers of space exploration and the sustainability of our community.

     The legislature further finds that on the moon and the planet Mars, the most easily obtained material for building structures is basalt rock.  Basalt's unique properties make it an excellent material for a variety of specialized applications.  Basalt fibers are currently being used in the manufacturing of various products that include rebar, mesh, rope, and fabric.  These products have extraordinary properties with regard to strength, durability, chemical resistance, thermal insulation, and radiation tolerance.  Currently there is no domestic producer of basalt fiber.

     The legislature further finds that a Hawaii based basalt fiber plant, and derivative basalt rebar production, will leverage Hawaii's basalt resources to reduce the import of steel rebar and provide a domestic source of basalt fiber and its derived products.

     The legislature further finds that there is a private- sector interest in locating basalt fiber and developing a rebar manufacturing facility in Hawaii.  As a potential economic sector in Hawaii, there is a need for a market assessment and feasibility study to evaluate markets, time frames, and other drivers.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide state funding for a market study to evaluate and assess the feasibility of developing a basalt fiber facility in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  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 2017-2018 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2018-2019 for a market assessment study to evaluate and assess the feasibility of developing a basalt fiber facility in Hawaii.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2038.


 


 

Report Title:

Basalt Fiber; Market Study; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for a market study to evaluate and assess the feasibility of developing a basalt fiber facility in Hawaii.  (HB1326 HD2)

 

 

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