HI HB2597

Establishes the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) as a division of the Office of Aerospace Development, located on the island of Hawaii.

Authorizes the Office of Aerospace Development to hire a business development officer (up to $80,000 annually), program manager (up to $70,000), and administrative support (up to $48,000) as civil service positions.

Authorizes PISCES to hire an administrator (up to $82,000, appointed by governor), business development officer (up to $70,000), program specialist (up to $60,000), and administrative support (up to $48,000) as civil service positions.

Reduces the PISCES advisory board from ten to seven members, consisting of six appointees from government, industry, and academia plus a nonvoting NASA representative, removing previous ex officio positions.

Simplifies PISCES' annual reporting requirement to focus on significant accomplishments, activities, and partnership development status rather than detailed business plans and financial statements.

Appropriates funds for fiscal year 2016-2017 to hire personnel for both the Office of Aerospace Development and PISCES, effective July 1, 2016, with other provisions taking effect July 1, 2018.