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Hawaii's HTDC Launches New Tech Portal

Earlier this week, the High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) launched HiTechHawaii.com, the state's newest and most comprehensive high technology web portal. A collaboration with the Hawaii Technology Trade Association, the site provides a single point of access to information about Hawaii's technology industry, including business and technology resources, job listings, events and news articles.

HTDC will be responsible for monitoring and keeping HiTechHawaii.com up-to-date. Among other features, the portal provides helpful information on doing business in Hawaii, tax incentives, funding opportunities, and meetings and conventions resources. The site also has valuable search capabilities, including a direct search and link to HTDC's Technology Business Directory and TechJobs Hawaii.

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Tech Bills Pass on Last Days of Hawaii Legislative Session

A number of bills to strengthen Hawaii's science and technology standing were passed during the final days of the legislative session.

The High Technology Development Corporation has been empowered to issue $100 million in special purpose revenue bonds for the development of high-technology facilities and office space under an act Governor Ben Cayetano signed during the last week of April. Effective immediately, the act allows bond monies to be used as incentive or inducement financing to attract technology companies to the state as the interest rates on the bonds are lower than current bank loan rates. A copy of the act is available at: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb2443_hd2_.htm

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Hawaii's Growth Strategy Focuses on Technology, New Economy

Earlier this month, Governor Ben Cayetano released The New Millenium Growth Strategy for Hawaii's Economy, an economic development plan to improve the state's performance in a knowledge-based economy. The 90-page report, penned by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, includes several new initiatives for developing and growing technology businesses as well as strengthening existing economic development efforts.

The plan hopes to have "high-tech activities permeate all sectors of Hawaii's economy." As a result, separate sections are dedicated to discussing technology-based approaches to building a stronger economy through high technology, information technology, biotechnology, defense and dual-use technology, health care, resource development, environment, and tourism. The plan also identifies and addresses proposals for workforce training and infrastructure capacity needs for a technology-based economy.

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People in S&T

Nola Miyasaki is serving as Acting Executive Director and CEO of the Hawaii High Technology Development Corp

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People

Joe Blanco has been appointed the Hawaii Technology Advisor.

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Hawaii Consolidates Technology Programs, Adds Worker Training and Offers Tax Breaks

In a move to increase Hawaii's technology standing, Governor Ben Cayetano signed legislation last week that will create several new initiatives. Most significant for S&T policy is the planned consolidation of the state's technology-related programs under a new special advisor for technology development. The specific state agencies affected by the legislation were not identified in the Technology Omnibus bill.

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