STAND. COM. REP. NO.  407-22

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2022

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2225

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Economic Development, to which was referred H.B. No. 2225 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research Program, Manufacturing Assistance Grant Program, and Excelerator Grant Program.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Oceanit; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Nalu Scientific, LLC; Pacific Impact Zone; Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association; Hawaii Farm Bureau; 3D Innovations; Pacific Business Services; Hyperspective; Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.; Hawaii Fish Company Inc; Diamond Bakery Co., Ltd.; Dana Labels, Inc.; Premier Solutions LLC; Hawaii Food Industry Association; and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

 

     Your Committee finds that manufacturing is critical to the State's economy.  The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation is a key state agency in the development and support of Hawaii's manufacturing industry.  The Small Business Innovation Research Program, Manufacturing Assistance Grant Program, and Excelerator Grant Program were created to support the manufacturing industry and have provided many jobs since their creation.  This measure would ensure the continuation of these critical programs, thereby further enhancing the State's economy and creating more jobs for its residents.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2225 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

SEAN QUINLAN, Chair