HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

574

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL SPACE CENTER FOR EXPLORATION SYSTEMS.

 

 

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' (PISCES) work in developing aerospace and terrestrial applications and technologies using basalt is a long-term economic benefit to Hawaii.  PISCES' work in basalt material sciences has resulted in:  novel basalt-based materials that match and exceed commercial concrete strengths; additive laser manufacturing using basalt feedstock; and robotic construction of a landing pad made one hundred per cent out of basalt.  Furthermore, PISCES' continued work to expand and develop markets for products made using Hawaii's naturally occurring basalt should have a positive long-term impact on the demand for quarried basalt in Hawaii.

     The legislature recognizes that novel basalt-based materials are not only beneficial to aerospace for planetary exploration, but also have relevance and product applications to Hawaii.  PISCES' development of novel basalt materials and applications can foster growth in current industries while creating new industry sectors.  These new and varied demands for quarried basalt would increase and diversify present demand.

     The legislature also recognizes that the development of products in Hawaii, with state resources, can offset some of the State's dependence on imported materials and is a necessary step toward Hawaii's self-sustainability.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide PISCES with sustained, market-driven revenue to continue developing new basalt-based products and materials as a potential long-term benefit to the State's quarry and mining industry.

     SECTION 2.  The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Chapter

BASALT MINING TAX

     §   -1  Taxes.  Every wholesaler or dealer of basalt cinder and trap rock shall pay, for the privilege of conducting business and other activities in the state and in addition to any other taxes provided by law, an excise tax equal to 0.2 per cent of the wholesale price of each item or article of basalt cinder and trap rock sold by the wholesaler or dealer, whether or not sold at wholesale, or if not sold then at the same rate upon the use by the wholesaler or dealer.

     §   -2  Disposition of revenues.  All moneys collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the Pacific international space center for exploration systems special fund and expended pursuant to 201-80.2."

     SECTION 3.  Section 201-80.2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§201-80.2[]]  Pacific international space center for exploration systems special fund.  (a)  There is established in the state treasury the Pacific international space center for exploration systems special fund, into which shall be deposited:

     (1)  Revenues, moneys, and fees from services, rentals, publications, royalties, and patents generated under this subpart;

     (2)  Gifts, donations, and grants received by the Pacific international space center for exploration systems; [and]

     (3)  Proceeds from revenue bonds issued by the director of finance[.]; and

     (4)  Basalt mining tax revenues collected and deposited into the fund pursuant to section    -2.

     (b)  Moneys in the fund shall be used by the Pacific international space center for exploration systems for the operation, maintenance, and management of its projects, facilities, services, and publications and for the design and construction of new facilities and the renovation of or addition to existing facilities[.]; provided that moneys deposited into the fund pursuant to subsection (a)(4) shall be used to support the Pacific international space center for exploration systems in its sustained and continued development of basalt-based products and materials.

     (c)  All moneys in excess of $1,000,000 remaining in the Pacific international space center for exploration systems special fund at the close of each fiscal year [that are deemed, by the director of finance, to be in excess of the moneys necessary to carry out the purposes of this section in the next fiscal year] shall lapse to the credit of the state general fund."

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2017.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Basalt Mining; Cinder; Trap Rock; Excise Tax; Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems

 

Description:

Establishes an excise tax on basalt cinder and trap rock sold by wholesalers or dealers.  Provides that the excise tax is paid into the Pacific international space center for exploration systems special fund.  Requires moneys in excess of $1,000,000 in the Pacific international space center for exploration systems special fund to lapse to the general fund.

 

 

 

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