STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1126

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 598

       H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Higher Education and Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 598, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CYBERSECURITY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize and provide funds for the University of Hawaii to participate in, and contribute funding for, the development of a Hawaii cyber ecosystem and for other related aspects of cyber security.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Office of Enterprise Technology Services, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Referentia Systems Inc., and one individual.

     Your Committees find that many areas are vulnerable to cyber threats, including critical energy, telecommunication, and water infrastructure, as well as financial, tourism, military, and other important public and private industries.  Your Committees further find that cyber security is a matter of statewide concern and the State needs to develop a cyber ecosystem that includes collaboration between private companies, nonprofit organizations, government, and individuals.  Your Committees also find that cyber security is particularly important in the areas of economic development, innovation, education, workforce development, readiness, and resilience.  This measure will provide resources to help protect Hawaii from cyber threats.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 598, H.D. 2, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Higher Education and Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology,

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair

________________________________ KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair