H.B. 1230 Summary

• Establishes the Hawaii Space Corporation as a public body corporate and instrumentality of the State, placed within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for administrative purposes.

• Creates a 9-member Board of Directors including the director of business, economic development, and tourism, the executive director of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems as ex officio voting members, and seven appointed members with expertise in science, engineering, finance, commerce, or related fields.

• Authorizes the corporation to acquire and manage properties to develop and operate the Hawaii Space Complex as a spaceport for launching small launch vehicles and satellites into polar orbit, with priority given to Hawaii-based businesses and environmentally responsible operators.

• Grants the corporation authority to contract with entities, charge fees for property use, issue bonds, and adopt rules necessary to fulfill its purposes including workforce development and STEM education partnerships.

• Establishes a Space Corporation Special Fund supported by legislative appropriations, private contributions, and interest earnings to fund the complex's operation, maintenance, and facilities development, with the corporation required to submit annual reports to the legislature.