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 its existing economic development mission.

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 sole jurisdiction over the land use commission, state planning, and the Hawaii State Planning Act, with prohibition on transfer of these functions by executive order or directive.

Takes effect upon approval.