HI HCR192

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish a Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group to address high poverty levels among Native Hawaiians, with 57% of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander households below the ALICE threshold and average individual income around $30,000 as of 2022.

Working group directed to identify economic development initiatives benefiting Native Hawaiians and study the definition of gaming and all options to spur economic opportunity.

Working group membership includes chairs of Senate and House economic development committees (as co-chairs), Senate President and House Speaker designees, representatives from Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Business/Economic Development/Tourism, Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Taxation, and invited experts in labor, Native Hawaiian culture, social services, tourism/sports/entertainment, and other relevant areas.

Working group required to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the 2027 Regular Session convening.

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide administrative support and dissolve the working group on June 30, 2028.