HI HB596

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 201-2 to add "business protection" as an objective of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) alongside economic development.

Requires DBEDT to gain an understanding of functions and activities of other governmental and private agencies that relate to business protection, in addition to economic development.

Maintains DBEDT's exclusive jurisdiction over the land use commission, state planning, and the Hawaii State Planning Act, which cannot be transferred by executive order or subject to review by other departments.

Takes effect upon approval.