HI HB521

Establishes the Office of Entrepreneurship, initially placed within the Governor's office then permanently transferred to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism on July 1, 2027

Director to be appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation, requiring professional training and experience in business, marketing, or community economic development

Office responsibilities include serving as a liaison for businesses operating 5 years or less, helping navigate regulatory requirements, and encouraging 5% of state contracts be awarded to new Hawaii-based businesses

Requires annual reports to the legislature detailing state contracts awarded to new businesses, including breakdowns by demographics, geographic areas, and business types (women, minority, and veteran-owned)

Creates a partnership program between the Office of Entrepreneurship and the Hawaii Film and Creative Industries Development Special Fund; appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027