S.C.R. No. 185 Summary

• Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to support creation of the Hawaii Innovation Alliance (HIA) as recommended by the Dual Use Report submitted in December 2023 pursuant to Act 121, Session Laws of Hawaii 2021

• The HIA would serve as a unifying brand consolidating support services for dual use technology businesses (technologies applicable to both peaceful and military purposes) through a single website offering programs from government, nonprofit, and for-profit service providers

• Proposes employing Innovation Sherpas as dedicated personal guides to assist dual use businesses in accessing HIA services and building long-term relationships to address business-specific opportunities and challenges

• Supports five key recommendations from the Dual Use Report: establishing unified pathways for the innovation sector, building on existing state and federal investments, ensuring strategic targeted funding, promoting business financial self-sustainability, and measuring public fund effectiveness through impact and accountability metrics

• Directs certified copies be transmitted to the DBEDT Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Impact Zone