H.B. 1442 Summary

• Establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship, initially placed within the Office of the Governor and permanently transferred to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism on July 1, 2027.

• Director position appointed by the governor with senate consent, requiring professional training and experience in business, marketing, community economic development, or related fields.

• Office responsibilities include strengthening entrepreneurship policies, providing technical support to entrepreneurs, serving as a point of contact for businesses operating five years or less, and encouraging five percent of state contracts to be awarded to young businesses.

• Authorizes the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund to support a program partnering with the Office to create opportunities in film, media, electronic sports, and creative industries for businesses in operation five years or less.

• Requires annual reports beginning in 2027 detailing state contracts awarded to young businesses, including breakdowns by demographics and geographic areas, plus recommendations for improving entrepreneurship access.