HI HB645

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 to apply for a Federal Aviation Administration spaceport license to establish space tourism in Hawaii.

Directs the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to manage the appropriated funds for the spaceport license application.

Recognizes space tourism as a potential billion-dollar global industry that could generate state revenues, create aerospace jobs, and support economic development in the Kalaeloa area.

Cites Virgin Galactic's 2007 success with space tourism ticket revenue of approximately $31,000,000 and existing FAA-licensed spaceports in New Mexico and Florida as models.

Becomes effective July 1, 2011.