Summary — SCR 78 (2025): Requesting HCDA to initiate planning of a Health Tech Hub in Kakaako
Status & sponsor
- Type: Concurrent resolution (non‑binding)
- Primary sponsor: Sen. Moriwaki
- Introduced: May 13, 2025
- Legislative action highlights: Passed the Senate (May 14, 2025; 20 YES, 1 absent), passed the House (May 21, 2025; voice vote). Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State and chaptered (Res. Chapter 163, Statutes of 2025) on Sept 3, 2025.
- Companion measures: HCR 116 and SR 61
Purpose and intent
- Request the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) to begin planning a dedicated “Health Tech Hub” on Lot C in Kakaako Makai to accelerate adoption of health care technologies and support the growth of Hawaii’s skilled health care and health‑technology workforce.
Key provisions
- Location and context:
- Targets Lot C (approx. five acres at Ilalo Street; Oahu TMK (1)2-1-015:052) in HCDA’s Kakaako Makai area.
- Notes the existing Entrepreneurs Sandbox (operated by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation — HTDC) on Lot C and proximity to the University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and the UH Cancer Center.
- Planning request:
- HCDA is requested to initiate planning for the Health Tech Hub.
- HCDA should consult with: Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT); HTDC; JABSOM; UH Cancer Center; and the Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office.
- Deliverable and deadline:
- HCDA is requested to submit a report containing a conceptual plan for the Hub, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the 2026 Regular Session.
- Administrative: Certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the listed agencies and institutions.
Who is affected
- Direct: HCDA (as landowner/regulatory authority), HTDC, DBEDT, JABSOM, UH Cancer Center, Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office.
- Indirect: health‑technology companies and startups, medical researchers, clinicians and trainees, patients who could benefit from accelerated tech deployment, and the local Kakaako community.
- Note: The resolution requests planning and coordination but does not appropriate funds or change land‑use law by itself.
Potential impact and next steps
- Short term: Framework and conceptual plan to be developed and delivered to the Legislature (potentially identifying infrastructure, partnership, regulatory, and funding needs).
- Medium to long term: If the conceptual plan recommends (and the Legislature/administration approves) further steps, subsequent legislation, budget allocations, HCDA development approvals, and public/private partnerships would be required to implement a Health Tech Hub.
- Constraints: As a concurrent resolution, SCR 78 is advisory — implementation depends on follow‑on executive action, legislation, and funding.
