S.C.R. No. 177 Summary

• Recognizes the fourth sector of the economy comprising for-benefit organizations including social enterprises, cooperatives, Native Hawaiian culturally-informed businesses, and public benefit corporations that balance social or environmental objectives with revenue generation.

• Directs the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to convene a Fourth Sector Working Group with members from state government, University of Hawaii faculty, legislature, and private sector representatives, not to exceed 15 members.

• Requires the Working Group to develop a long-term strategic plan addressing research, policy development, financial mobilization, education, impact assessment, and ecosystem development for Hawaii's fourth sector economy.

• Mandates a preliminary report to the legislature by twenty days before the 2024 Regular Session and a final report with proposed legislation by twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session, with the Working Group dissolving on June 30, 2025.