GOVERNOR LINGLE SIGNS HAWAI‘I INNOVATION INITIATIVE BILLS
For Immediate Release: June 7, 2007
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today signed three bills that are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s comprehensive Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative to transform the state’s economy from one over-dependent on land development to one that relies on the innovation and creative ideas and actions of Hawai‘i’s residents. These measures include supporting private sector investment in a life sciences incubator and innovation center, expanding the state’s aerospace industry, and implementing methods to track Hawai‘i’s progress toward an innovation economy.
“These bills will provide critical support to businesses and the local economy as we work together to develop new and innovative ways to increase Hawai‘i’s capacity to compete in the global economy,” said Governor Lingle. “In addition, establishing a means to measure results of our innovation initiative will ensure we remain on track in our efforts to reduce Hawai‘i’s economic dependence on land development and natural resources and instead focus on the innovative ideas of our residents.”
SB896 SD1 HD2 CD1 (Act 150) appropriates $400,000 over the next two years to lease laboratory and office space for a life sciences incubator and innovation center. The facility will contain the first-ever private Class A wet lab in the state that will serve as a life sciences research center and catalyst facility for commercialization of biotechnology research.
The funds will be administered by the High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), which will work with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) to lease approximately 66,000 square feet in a life sciences complex to be built in Kaka‘ako.
SB907 SD2 HD2 CD1 (Act 149) will revive the state’s Office of Space Industry, providing it with a new name, expanded responsibilities and funding. The newly renamed Office of Aerospace Development within the DBEDT will identify and promote aerospace-related industries in Hawai‘i. The measure authorizes the Aerospace Office to assist the University of Hawai‘i, local companies, research institutions and other organizations in establishing private-public-education partnerships that can promote the aerospace industry. The office will also be tasked with promoting education and workforce development programs and monitoring national and international trends in the aerospace industry. The measure appropriates $500,000 to operate the office.
Earlier this year, the Governor signed a cooperative agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to support NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration. Under the agreement, the State of Hawai‘i and NASA’s Ames Research Center will explore future collaborations in commercial space initiatives and innovative programs supporting research, education and workforce development in aerospace fields.
SB709 SD2 HD1 CD1 (Act 148) establishes a means to measure Hawai‘i’s efforts to innovate and diversify the state’s economy. It requires the DBEDT to collect, analyze and publish data to evaluate the progress in implementing innovation initiatives. The DBEDT will also measure growth trends within eight industry sectors, including ocean and sciences technology, biotechnology and life sciences, astronomy, technology and information services, film and creative media, diversified agriculture, aquaculture, and specialty tourism. In addition, the DBEDT will examine venture capital growth, start-up firms, research and development expenditures, technology licensing and export levels. Act 148 appropriates $400,000 over the next two years and authorizes two full-time economist positions.
The three bills signed today take effect on July 1, 2007.
Last week, the Governor signed an additional measure (SB885, Act 111) that focuses on providing Hawai‘i students with world-class analytical and problem-solving skills developed through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Act 111 establishes career and technical programs in a variety of fields, including engineering, computing, robotics and Project EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology). It also includes the establishment of STEM academies on Kaua‘i, through a HiEST (Hawai‘i Excellence through Science and Technology) Academy pilot program that will be administered by Kaua‘i Community College at two public schools.
In addition, Act 111 creates the FIRST (Fostering Inspiration and Relevance through Science and Technology) program within the UH College of Engineering to focus on setting up project-based learning programs for students in grades 4 through 8.
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For more information, contact:
Ted Liu
Director, DBEDT
Phone: (808) 586-2355
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043
