HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	192
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO ESTABLISH A NATIVE HAWAIIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, Native Hawaiians experience high levels of poverty relative to other racial groups in the State; and

 

     WHEREAS, according to a recent report by Aloha United Way, fifty-seven percent of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander households fall below the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold; and

 

     WHEREAS, according to a report published by Hawai i Appleseed, Native Hawaiians are amongst the lowest-earning ethnic groups in the State, with an average individual income of around $30,000 as of 2022; and

 

     WHEREAS, many Native Hawaiians have been forced to leave Hawaii to pursue better economic conditions and job opportunities, with more Native Hawaiians now living on the continent than in Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, there is a need for the State to consider economic development strategies that help improve financial conditions and economic opportunities for Native Hawaiians; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to establish a Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to:

 

     (1)  Identify economic development initiatives that directly benefit Native Hawaiians; and

 

     (2)  Consider gaming as one pathway to spur economic opportunity for Native Hawaiians.

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following individuals are requested to serve as members of the working group:

 

     (1)  The Chairs of the Standing Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives with primary jurisdiction over economic development, or the Chairs' designees, who shall serve as co‑chairpersons of the working group;

 

     (2)  The President of the Senate, or the President's designee;

 

     (3)  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, or the Speaker's designee;

 

     (4)  A representative from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism;

 

     (5)  A representative from the Department of Law Enforcement;

 

     (6)  A representative from the Department of Taxation;

 

     (7)  One individual having knowledge, experience, and expertise in the area of labor, to be invited by the co-chairpersons of the working group;

 

     (8)  One individual representing Native Hawaiian culture, to be invited by the co-chairpersons of the working group;

 

     (9)  One individual having experience in social services and behavioral addictions, to be invited by the co-chairpersons of the working group;

 

    (10)  One individual possessing academic and research expertise in global tourism, sports, and entertainment industries, to be invited by the co-chairpersons of the working group; and

 

    (11)  Other interested parties having relevant experience and expertise, as invited by the co-chairpersons of the working group; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to submit to the Legislature a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to provide necessary administrative support to the working group in carrying out its duties, including the preparation of the report to the Legislature; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to dissolve the Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group on June 30, 2028; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Director of Law Enforcement; and Director of Taxation.

Report Title: 

Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group; Gambling; Legislative Report