HI HB197

Establishes the Hawaii Space Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to promote innovation in space exploration, commercial aerospace, and integration of space/aviation industries into the state economy

Creates a nine-member board of directors with three members each appointed by the governor, senate president, and house speaker, prioritizing appointees with experience in commercial aerospace, civil aviation, military aerospace, space economic development, academic research, or nonprofit space support

Authorizes the commission to make grants, solicit donations, acquire property, provide matching funds for federal and private funding, and support workforce training and aerospace-related educational opportunities

Establishes the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Special Fund for grants to businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities for space flight technology development, research, workforce training, and spaceport infrastructure

Requires the commission to develop and annually update a strategic plan and submit annual reports to the legislature, with appropriations for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 (amounts unspecified), effective July 1, 2025