HI HB1772

Permanently establishes the Small Business Procurement Program within the State Procurement Office to help small businesses, including those owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, participate in state contracting opportunities.

Creates a permanent Small Business Procurement Coordinator position, appointed by the State Procurement Office administrator, exempt from civil service requirements under Chapter 76.

Coordinator duties include maintaining a statewide small business database, establishing registration and certification processes, conducting outreach and training workshops, and producing annual reports on small business participation data.

Appropriates $126,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund one full-time equivalent Small Business Procurement Coordinator position.

Repeals the temporary Small Business Assistance Initiative established under Act 168 (2022), which was set to expire, replacing it with this permanent program effective July 1, 2026.