Relating To The Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.
Summary
HB1011 would amend several provisions governing the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation’s grant programs. It increases the maximum grant available to businesses applying for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants from $3,000 to $6,000, while keeping the grants subject to available funds. The bill also updates the manufacturing development program to clarify that grants may be used not only for purchasing equipment, employee training, energy-efficiency improvements, and planning a new facility, but also for purchasing renewable energy technology systems, including photovoltaic systems, to reduce manufacturing energy costs.
The bill further specifies that a business receiving a manufacturing development grant for a renewable energy system may not also claim the state renewable energy tax credit for that same system. It also clarifies that training on both new and existing manufacturing equipment is an eligible use of manufacturing development grants. Overall, the measure is aimed at expanding and modernizing state support for innovation, manufacturing capacity, and energy-cost reduction for Hawaii businesses.
Impact
HB1011 would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 206M-15, 206M-15.1, and 235-12.5. It expands the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation’s authority to provide small grant assistance to businesses pursuing federal SBIR/STTR opportunities, broadens eligible uses under the manufacturing development program, and creates a coordination rule preventing double benefits for renewable energy systems funded by manufacturing grants and the state renewable energy tax credit. The bill primarily affects Hawaii businesses, manufacturers, and applicants for technology-development and energy-related assistance.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally supportive of business development, innovation, and manufacturing competitiveness, with no recorded opposition in the provided materials. Its provisions are framed as clarifications and modest expansions of existing grant programs, suggesting a favorable policy posture toward small businesses and manufacturers. The absence of committee transcripts or recorded votes limits the ability to assess detailed debate, but the bill text and report description indicate an overall positive, pro-economic-development sentiment.
Contention
The main policy issue embedded in the bill is the interaction between grants and tax credits for renewable energy systems. By making grant-funded systems ineligible for the renewable energy tax credit, the bill prevents businesses from receiving overlapping public subsidies for the same investment. Another possible point of discussion is the increase in the SBIR/STTR application assistance cap from $3,000 to $6,000, which expands state support but also increases potential program costs. No explicit objections, amendments, or recorded disputes are included in the available context.
Relating to a prohibition on governmental contracts with companies of foreign adversaries for certain information and communications technology; authorizing a civil penalty; creating a criminal offense.