HI HB1829

Establishes Hawaii as an official "ocean cluster" to promote the blue economy, encompassing marine construction, transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology, and ocean conservation industries.

Creates the Office of Marine Affairs within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to develop statewide marine affairs and ocean technology strategies, conduct policy reviews, and coordinate blue economy development.

Establishes a Marine Affairs Task Force as the governing body, composed of representatives from 10 state agencies and departments including Land and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Transportation, and the University of Hawaii system, plus three business sector representatives.

Creates a Marine Affairs Coordinator position (exempt from civil service requirements) responsible for developing marine development plans, coordinating multi-agency activities, pursuing federal funding, and submitting annual reports to the governor and legislature.

Transfers personnel and functions from the existing Governor's Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs to the new Office of Marine Affairs and repeals the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's current marine affairs authority under Section 201-13.