Report Title:

High Technology Park

 

Description:

Establishes a high technology park.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

3358

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to high technology.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that:

     (1)  Hawaii's technology and defense-related industries have shown strong growth and expansion potential;

     (2)  To meet this potential, our workforce needs to be trained to meet the demand for highly-skilled, highly-specialized labor in areas such as high technology, defense-aerospace, business, and finance;

     (3)  By 2012, Oahu will have an estimated one hundred, seventy-six thousand jobs to fill, with more than fifty-one thousand of these jobs newly created; and

     (4)  Hawaii's ability to fill these job openings with talented, energetic individuals will help to determine the future quality of life for our residents.

     The legislature further finds that the development of an "employment anchor" facility, such as a high technology park, may be the key to preparing Hawaii's current and future workforce for the challenges involved in high technology.  There is already a significant demand for an employment anchor from local technology businesses and major defense and aerospace contractors who wish to establish businesses on Oahu.  The integration of these areas within the context of an employment anchor would be an important first step in sustaining a vibrant local technology industry.

     The purpose of this Act is to support Hawaii's high technology industry by:

     (1)  Requiring the department of business, economic development, and tourism to consult with the high technology development corporation to plan for the establishment of a high technology park on the island of Oahu; and

     (2)  Appropriating funds for the construction of infrastructure for the high technology park.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of business, economic development, and tourism, shall work with the department of land and natural resources to identify appropriate lands, either public or private, on Oahu that may be acquired for the high technology park.

     (b)  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall consult with the high technology development corporation to plan for the establishment of a high technology park on Oahu; provided that the plans shall include provisions for the high technology development corporation to manage and oversee the park's operations in cooperation with other government agencies and private entities.

     SECTION 3.  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 2008-2009 for land acquisition, planning, design, equipment, and construction costs related to the infrastructure for a high technology park on Oahu.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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