HI SB2928

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.

Assigns the coordinator duties including maintaining a statewide small business database, developing outreach and training programs, establishing registration and certification processes, and producing annual reports on small business participation data.

Repeals the temporary Small Business Assistance Initiative established by Act 168 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2022), effective January 1, 2525, replacing it with the permanent program.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish the permanent full-time equivalent coordinator position within the state procurement office.