HI HB975

Establishes an Advisory Council for Global Economic Competitiveness within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism with at least 15 members including foreign business executives, domestic business leaders, economic development organization representatives, and academics.

Requires the council to meet at least three times annually and submit annual reports to the legislature recommending policies to attract foreign direct investment, increase state exports, and identify needed infrastructure, workforce training, licensing, and financing support.

Directs the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop regional economic plans for each county based on development or community plan boundaries to create jobs in urban and rural areas.

Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to collaborate with the Department of Education and University of Hawaii to develop K-12 career pathways in schools aligned with the state's specific industry needs.