S.R. NO. 149 - Commercial Space Transportation Recognition

• Recognizes commercial space transportation as a strategic growth industry for Hawaii and requests the state administration to take proactive action to develop space launch operations and aerospace enterprise in the state.

• Identifies Hawaii's mid-Pacific, near-equatorial location and existing telemetry and space surveillance infrastructure as unique advantages for launching payloads into equatorial and polar orbits with less energy requirements than mainland U.S. locations.

• Requests the state to work with federal and municipal agencies, universities, and companies to develop Hawaii as an international center for commercial space launch activities that can create high-paying technology-based jobs and support STEM education.

• Directs the Office of Aerospace Development to coordinate with the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory, Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance facility, and other state, national, and international agencies to advance commercial space launch activities.

• Requests certified copies be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Business and Economic Development, NASA Administrator, FAA Administrator, and military command officials.