Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii HB437: Relating to Out-of-state Offices.
Status: In committee, April 17, 2026
Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to out-of-state offices.
From the engrossed text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that enhancing economic ties between Hawaii and the Republic of the Philippines (the Philippines) presents significant opportunities for strengthening mutual economic development. Filipinos have emerged as the second-largest ethnic group in Hawaii, representing approximately twenty-five per cent of Hawaii's population, and play major roles in all sectors of Hawaii's economy. In addition. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has recently emphasized the potential for expanding trade cooperation between the Philippines and Hawaii. Assisting small businesses in developing and marketing products, focusing on strengthening economic development, expanding and diversifying trade opportunities, promoting cultural exchanges, and leveraging the Filipino community in Hawaii can enhance the economic and cultural partnerships between Hawaii and the Philippines and lead to sustained growth and mutual benefits. 2025-2248 HB437 SDl SMA.docx Page 2 H.B. NO. S-i S.D. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines. SECTION 2. The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes. SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or …
Sponsors
- Greggor Ilagan (D, 4) · primary sponsor
- Elle Cochran (D, 14)
- Andrew Garrett (D, 22)
- Mark Hashem (D, 19)
- Ikaika Hussey (D, 29)
- Linda Ichiyama (D, 31)
- Darius Kila (D, 44)
- Trish La Chica (D, 37)
- Lamosao, Rachele (D, 19)
- Tyson Miyake (D, 10)
- Julie Reyes Oda (R, 40)
- Jackson Sayama (D, 21)
Latest actions
- : Re-Referred to EDT/WLA, WAM.
- : Received notice of the discharge of all House Conferees (Hse. Com. No. 457).
- : House Conferee(s) discharged.
- : Received notice of all Senate conferees being discharged (Sen. Com. No. 409).
- : Senate Conferee(s) discharged.
- : Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- : Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 5:46 PM; Conference Room 225.
- : Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 4:40 PM; Conference Room 411.
- : Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 3:00 PM; Conference Room 411.
- : Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 11:40 AM; Conference Room 411.
Votes
- Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading (April 8, 2025): 23 yea, 2 nay, passed
- WAM: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 1, 2025): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
- TCA: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 13, 2025): 4 yea, 1 nay, passed
- EDT: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS (March 13, 2025): 4 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4) (February 28, 2025): 45 yea, 2 nay, passed
- FIN: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (February 24, 2025): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, Out-Of-State Offices, Appropriations, DBEDT
Common questions
- What is HB437?
- HB437 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Out-of-state Offices.
- What does HB437 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to out-of-state offices.
- What is the status of HB437?
- In committee as of April 17, 2026. Latest action: Re-Referred to EDT/WLA, WAM. (April 17, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB437?
- Greggor Ilagan (D, 4), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB437?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=437&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.