HI SB3049

Establishes the Trade-Oriented Production Capacity Grant Program within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to fund one-time capital investments expanding Hawaii's manufacturing and production capacity for interstate and international trade.

Grants may fund manufacturing/processing equipment, automation technologies, and facility improvements directly tied to increased production capacity.

Requires private-sector matching funds from grant recipients and prioritizes traded-sector businesses with demonstrated interstate or international market potential.

Grant evaluation criteria include production capacity increases, market access ability, job creation or retention, anticipated export revenue, and likelihood of measurable economic returns within a defined timeframe.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal year 2026-2027, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.