HI HB594

Establishes a Maritime Industry Grant Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to award grants to qualified shipyards and maritime industry training providers for workforce development and training projects.

Defines "qualified shipyard" as a ship or boat building or repair facility in Hawaii with no more than 1,000 employees engaged in construction, repair, conversion, or alteration of ships, boats, and barge sections.

Requires grant applicants to have been in operation for at least ten years, hold all applicable licenses and permits, comply with federal and state laws including non-discrimination requirements, and be incorporated under Hawaii law.

Limits grants to a maximum amount per year (amount not specified in bill text) with each entity receiving only one grant annually; grants may not be used for entertainment or lobbying activities.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to establish and administer the program; requires biennial reporting to the legislature on application numbers, grants awarded, and economic benefits realized.