STAND. COM. REP. NO. 78

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 764

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology, to which was referred S.B. No. 764 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the High Technology Development Corporation for the Manufacturing Development Program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the High Technology Development Corporation; Aloha Edibles, Inc.; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Diamond Bakery Company, Ltd.; First Commercial Kitchen LLC; Hawaii Fish Company; Hawaii Food Industry Association; HNu Photonics, LLC; Hyperspective Studios, Inc.; KYD, INC.; Maui Brewing Company; Meadow Gold Dairies; and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Big Island Brewhaus LLC.

     Your Committee finds that the Manufacturing Development Program has helped aid manufacturing companies in the State through its program grants.  Hawaii manufacturers face challenges related to high costs of energy and shipping.  Your Committee finds that program grants help manufacturing companies to invest in manufacturing equipment, training for employees on new equipment, energy efficiency, product expansion, and feasibility studies.  Your Committee further finds that the continuation of the program and grants will help fuel manufacturing in Hawaii and increase the production of goods for local consumption and export.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 764 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology,

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GLENN WAKAI, Chair