Extramural funds—grants and contracts from federal, state, private, and foreign sources—have held steady at over $300 million the last two years following a record high of over $400 million in FY 2006. Preliminary FY 2008 figures report UH received extramural awards of $373 million, $221 million for research, and $152 million for non-research (i.e., training). Several of the larger funded research organizations at UH Manoa include: the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (receiving $77 million), the John A. Burns School of Medicine (receiving $50 million), and the Institute for Astronomy (receiving $30 million).

Report: University of Hawaii-Measuring our Progress 2008

Kaunana
The Research Publication of the University of Hawaii

The Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii
Supports the research and training programs of the University of Hawaii and to enhance research, development, and training generally in Hawaii.

Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development
Market, promote, and license the University’s inventory of intellectual properties. OTTED helps Hawai‘i businesses find R&D funding, research partners, student interns, and technical experts at UH.

Discoveries and Inventions Fund
Provides the university a funding mechanism “to develop technologies that have potential commercial value, support the administration of technology transfer activities and facilitate economic development through education and research undertaken at the University.

RESEARCH INSTITUTES

Cancer Research Center of Hawaii

Hawai’i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology

Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology

Hawai’i Natural Energy Institute

Institute for Astronomy

Lyon Arboretum

Pacific Biosciences Research Center

Waikiki Aquarium

Water Resources Research Center

One of the centers with potential to stimulate the economy was created under Act 152 SLH 1983. The Hawaii Software Service Center was established to foster and sustain Hawaii’s software industry. A few of the center’s many goals are:

• Publish and maintain a catalog of packaged software products produced in the State,
• Act as the coordinator between the public, private and non-profit sectors in the State to analyze, articulate, and implement actions, solutions, and the programs that are necessary to support the continued growth of the software industry;
• Produce a plan for establishing a center for excellence in software development in Hawaii.

Here’s a snapshot of the tech-related legislation enacted since Statehood:

ACT 84 SLH 2008
Report Title: University of Hawaii; Cancer Research Center of Hawaii
Description: Increases the sources of revenue available to support the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii.  Allows moneys in cancer research special fund to be used for capital expenditures.

ACT 162 SLH 2008
Report Title: UH; Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology; Appropriation
Description: Extends the lapse date of the funds provided for the planning, design, and construction of a modern laboratory and office complex on Coconut Island. (SB2482 SD2)

Hawaii Innovation Council June 2007
A new council has been formed to advise Gov. Linda Lingle on ways to improve Hawaii’s innovation potential. The Hawaii Innovation Council will be a 15-member advisory group that will work with state, federal, county and private groups to increase the economic impact of Hawaii’s innovation resources, including technology research and development.

Act 148 SLH 2007
Report Title: Measurement Criteria; Economic Development Benchmarks
Description: Requires the department of business, economic development, and tourism to investigate, collect, analyze, and publish research and data to track economic progress and aid in the development and economic health of growth industries. Appropriates funds for additional resources, including two permanent full-time equivalent economist positions in the department of business, economic development, and tourism to improve the State’s ability to measure progress toward achieving innovation in Hawaii’s economy, and to assess the effectiveness of measures enacted by the legislature to improve Hawaii’s economic situation.

Act 149 SLH 2007
Report Title: Office of Aerospace Development
Description: Renames the office of space industry, the office ofaerospace development, and adds additional duties relating to identifying and promoting opportunities for expanding and diversifying aerospace-related industries in the State. Appropriates funds.

Act 150 SLH 2007
Report Title: High Technology; Incubation Center; Kakaako
Description: Appropriates funds in FY 2007-2008 and FY 2008?2009 to the High Technology Development Corporation to negotiate a ten-year lease to house a technology incubator and innovation center in a life sciences research complex in Kakaako and for planning, development, and operational costs of the center. Requires an annual progress report to the Legislature beginning in 2008.

Act 195 SLH 2007
Report Title: High Technology Innovation Corporation; In-state and Out-of-State Bank Accounts
Description: Clarifies that the high technology innovation corporation is authorized to operate bank accounts that are necessary for the conduct of its business at both in-state and out-of-state bank locations.

Act 260 SLH 2007
Report Title: Innovation Economy; Employees’ Retirement System
Description: Requires the employees’ retirement system to report annually to the legislature on any Hawaii venture capital investments; provided that if the board determines it is not prudent to invest in any Hawaii venture capital the board shall report the rationale for the decision; requires the board to develop criteria to determine the
amount of funds that may be prudently invested in Hawaii private placement investments.

Act 267 SLH 2007
Report Title: High Technology; Incubation Center; R&D Funding Program
Description: Establishes a research and development follow-on funding program for Hawaii?based small businesses that received federal funding through the Hawaii Technology Development Venture or the National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences and appropriates $5,000,000 for the program.

Act 2 SLH 1SS 2007
Report Title: Hawaii Broadband Task Force
Description: Establishes a Hawaii Broadband Task Force to remove barriers to broadband access, including gaining wider access to public rights-of-way; identify opportunities for increased broadband deployment and adoption, including very high speed broadband services; and enable the creation and deployment of new advanced communication technologies in Hawaii. Appropriates $50,000 for the task force. (HB310 CD2)

Act 88 SLH 2006
Report Title: Digital Media; Tax Credit
Description: Temporarily replaces the motion picture and film production tax credit with the motion picture, digital media, and film production tax credit which provides an income tax credit amounting to 15% of qualified production costs incurred, in any county of Hawaii with a population over 700,000, and 20% in any county of Hawaii with a
population under 700,000. Establishes criteria to qualify for the tax credit. Caps credit at $8,000,000 per production.

Act 240 SLH 2006
Report Title: Energy Self-sufficiency
Description: Provides a framework for energy self-sufficiency, focusing on: increasing renewable energy tax credits; establishing a pay as you save program for solar water heating systems; establishing a bio-diesel preference in the state procurement law; establishing a Hawaii renewable hydrogen program and hydrogen investment capital special fund; and establishing state support for an alternate fuels standard.

Act 255 SLH 2006
Report Title: International Business and Technology Incubators; Appropriation
Description: Appropriates funds to create an international business and technology incubator program in Hawaii. Effective July 1, 2006.

Act 282 SLH 2006
Report Title: High Technology Development Corporation
Description: Authorizes the High Technology Development Corporation to provide grants to certain local businesses that receive or apply for federal research grants or awards. Authorizes HTIC to establish out-of-state bank accounts. Exempts HTIC from chapter 36, HRS, and chapter 38, HRS. Appropriates funds to HTDC for certain research and technology programs.

Economic Momentum Commission June 2005
Hawaii’s 30-member Economic Momentum Commission (EMC) was formed in June 2005 with a goal of prolonging the state’s current economic vitality.

Act 173 SLH 2005
Report Title: High Technology; Nonprofit Corporation; Established
Description: Establishes the High Technology Innovation Corporation, a nonprofit corporation attached to the High Technology Development Corporation, to assist in attracting high technology development opportunities to the State.

Act 180 SLH 2005
Report Title: Agricultural Research and Market Development; Appropriation
Description: Appropriates $500,000 for the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation to conduct agricultural research and market development.

Act 130 SLH 2004
Report Title: High Technology Development Corporation; SPRB
Description: Authorizes the issuance of $100 million in special purpose revenue bonds by the HTDC to assist Townsend Capital, LLC, to finance a wet lab space and a biotech incubator.

Act 215 SLH 2004
Report Title: Capital Investment; State Private Investment Fund
Description: Establishes state private investment fund (SPIF); provides tax credits for qualifying research activities; technology infrastructure renovations; high technology business investments; repeals sunset of the Hawaii strategic development corporation revolving fund.

Act 223 SLH 2004
Report Title: Agricultural Research and Market Development; Appropriation
Description: Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation for agricultural research and market development. Appropriates funds to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii for its various research programs and to help diversify Hawaii’s economy.

Act 174 SLH 2003
Report Title: Cancer Detection; Revolving Fund
Description: Creates a revolving fund for developing and assisting the development of healthcare and biomedical technology to detect cancer, including cervical cancer, in its early stages.

Act 221 SLH 2001
Report Title: Taxes; High Tech Amendments
Description: Adds new tax benefits for high tech industries and amends current benefits to improve them.

Act 283 SLH 2001
Report Title: Hydrogen Private-Public Partnership
Description: Establishes a hydrogen private-public partnership within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, with assistance from the Hawaii natural energy institute of the University of Hawaii; $200,000 appropriation from special land and development fund with matching requirement

Act 297 SLH 2000
Report Title: New Economy
Description: I. Qualified High Tech Business; II. To allow the board of trustees of the employees’ retirement system to invest in Hawaii high technoloyg businesses or venture capital investments; III. Funds University of Hawaii programs, expands the department of education’s E Academy and funds HTDC marketing and promotions; more.

Act 178 SLH 1999
Report Title: Technology Omnibus
Description: Consolidates high tech agencies under a special adviser for technology development; creates tax credits for investment in technology business; prohibits the imposition of discriminatory taxes on Internet commerce; and provides other incentives for Hawaii high tech companies.

Act 106 SLH1990
UH Software Development and Marketing Program

Act 110 SLH1990
Part I: Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC)
- Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation Revolving Fund
- Cancer Detection Development Revolving Fund
- Hydrogen Investment Capital Special Fund
Part II: Program for Seed Capital Assistance
Part III: Program for Venture Capital Assistance
Part IV: Program for Capital Access
Part V: Hawaii Technology Investment Program

Act 224 SLH 1990
NELHA reauthorized

Discoveries and Inventions Fund SLH 1988
Commercialize UH research and development in new technology
Chapter 304-8.92 (b), Hawaii Revised Statutes. $2.75 million

Discoveries and Inventions Revolving Fund (Act 40, SLH 1988)
The Board of Regents formally approved the establishment of the Office of
Technology Transfer and Economic Development in April 1989

1988
Software Engineering Center ICS $587,000
Manoa Innovation Center $6.9 million
New SOEST building $20 million

Act 1 SLH 1988
Hawaii Information Network Corp

Act 335 SLH 1988
Establishes Office of Space Industry

Act 152 SLH 1983
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR)

Act 152 SLH 1983
Part I: High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
- High technology research and development loans and grants
- High Technology special fund
- Hawaii Technology loan revolving fund
Part II: Hawaii Software Service Center
- The center shall provide support to foster and sustain Hawaii’s
software industry.
Part III: Special Facility Revenue Bonds
Part IV: High Technology Innovation Corporation

Act 213 SLH1979
Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA)

Act 209 SLH 1965
Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii

Act 2 SLH1963
Establish Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

Statehood, August 21, 1959

After sifting through all of the statistics in the endless categories (up 3 spots in one ranking down 2 in another) reported by all the groups, one statistic is clear – the number of reports increased over the years. And that is a good statistic. Hawaii’s tech industry is getting noticed.

2008

Hawaii Innovation Indicators
Department of Business, Economic Development and Technology, State of Hawaii, December 2008

The Impact of the High Technology Business Investment Tax Credit on Hawaii’s Economy for Calendar Year 2007
Department of Taxation, State of Hawaii, December 2008

Hawaii Broadband Task Force Final Report
The Auditor State of Hawaii and RHD Consulting , LLC, December 2008

Small Business Survival Index 2008: Ranking the Policy Environment for Entrepreneurship Across the Nation
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, December 2008

MoneyTree Report
PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association

SSTI Weekly Digest
State Science & Technology Institute

NASVF NetNews
National Association of Seed and Venture Funds

University of Hawaii: Measuring our Progress 2008
Council of Chief Academic Office and the Office of Academic Planning and Policy
University of Hawaii, December 2008

Regional Innovation Index
The Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America and Innovation Ecologies

Hawaii R&D 2008: Meeting the Global Challenge for Innovation
The Alliance for Science & Technology Research in America

Hawaii’s Economy: Forecast ‘09
Island Insights, PBS Hawaii, December 18, 2008

Hawaii’s Economic Forecasts
University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization
Research and Analysis Division, DBEDT, State of Hawaii
Bank of Hawaii Economics
First Hawaiian Bank Economics
Hawaii Economic Association

The 2008 State New Economy Index
Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation November 2008

Innovation and Technology in Hawaii: An Economic and Workforce Profile
Hawaii Science & Technology Institute, October 2008

Trade in the Cyberstates 2008: A State-by-State Overview of High-Tech International Trade
American Electronics Association, September 2008

Descriptive Statistics on the Operations of Qualified High Technology Businesses From 2002 Through 2007
Department of Taxation, State of Hawaii, September 2008

Science and Engineering State Profiles: 2005-2007
National Science Foundation, August 2008

Federal Funds for Research and Development: Fiscal Years 2005-07
National Science Foundation, August 2008

Hawaii’s Aerospace Industry: the Next Frontier
Hawaii State Legislature Special Studies, August 21, 2008

Cybercities 2008: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry
American Electronics Association, June 2008

State Technology and Science Index: Enduring Lessons for the Intangible Economy
Milken Institute, June 2008

High Technology Development Corporation FY 2008 Annual Report

High-Impact Firms: Gazelles Revisited
U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, June 2008

Small Business Profile: Hawaii
U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, 2008

High-tech jobs growing in Hawaii
Honolulu Star Bulletin, April 2, 2008

AeA Cyberstates Report
Cyberstates 2008: A Complete State-by-State Overview of the High-Technology Industry
American Electronics Association, April 2008

Measuring Economic Diversification in Hawaii
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, February 2008

Venture Capital in Hawaii: An Assessment of Market Opportunities
Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs, January 2008

Hawaii Sustainability 2050 Plan
Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Task Force, State of Hawaii, January 2008

High Technology; Incubation Center: Kakaako
High Technology Development Corporation, January 2008

2007

Report to the 2008 Legislature: Efforts to Support Emerging Growth Industries
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, State of Hawaii December 2007

Annual Report 2007
Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii, 2007

Video Games in the 21st Century: Economic Contributions of the U.S. Entertainment Software Industry
Entertainment Software Association, 2007
Related article:
Isle video game sector surges, Honolulu Star Bulletin, Nov. 28, 2007

Report on the Operations of Qualified High Technology Businesses From 2002 Through 2006
Department of Taxation, State of Hawaii, October 2007

HTDC FY 2007 Annual Report
High Technology Development Corporation

The Creative Industry in Hawaii
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, April 2007

Innovation and Hawaii’s Economic Future
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, April 2007

The 2007 State New Economy Index,
Kauffman Foundation and the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation February 2007

2006

Hawaii’s Technology Sector: 2001-2005
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, October 2006

HTDC 2006 Annual Report
High Technology Development Corporation

2005

Discoveries and Inventions Fund,
University of Hawaii Office of Technology Transfer and Economic Development
November 2005

Hawaii’s Life Sciences Road Map: Competitive Opportunities in the Global Economy
Hawaii Life Sciences Council, July 2005

HTDC 2005 Annual Report
High Technology Development Corporation

Hawaii’s New Economy Initiative
Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs, 2005

Hawaii Statewide Comprehensive Economic Strategy (CEDS)
Office of Planning, DBEDT, State of Hawaii, 2005

2004

HTDC 2004 Annual Report
High Technology Development Corporation

2003

HTDC Annual Report 2003
High Technology Development Corporation

Hawaii’s New Economy Initiative
Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs, 2003

2002

Hawaii’s Technology Sector in 2001
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, November 2002

HTDC Annual Report 2002
High Technology Development Corporation

2001

HTDC 2001 Annual Report
High Technology Development Corporation

Hawaii’s Expanding Tech Sector
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, May 2001

2000

Hawaii’s Emerging New Economy: A Progress Report
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, October 2000

1999

Biotechnology in Hawaii: A Blueprint for Growth
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
State of Hawaii, December 1999

The Hawaii technology industry is supported by many associations and organizations, both formal and informal. Many local associations have affiliations with national and international associations. These connections are important for a State 2,500 miles away from the continental U.S.

Each major island group also form organizations in their region. The internet age provides excellent tools for long distance interaction. However, there’s something about personal interactions that moves initiatives forward.

While the institutional and state government organizations provide a solid base, it’s the informal groups that keep the industry energized. Using innovative Web 2.0 tools such as Facebook, Ning, and an online rack of the top news of the day, these technologies are the most informed and networked group in the state. Add Twitter and this group operates in real time.

Here is a snapshot of the associations and organizations in Hawaii’s Acronym Soup:

INDUSTRY

Hawaii Science and Technology Institute (HSTI)
Hawaii Science and Technology Council (HSTC)
(Merged: Hawaii Technology Trade Association)
HISciTech.org

Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Associations (AFCEA)
Hawaii Venture Capital Association (HVCA)
Hawaii Angels / Maui Angels
Hawaii Angels, Big Island Chapter
Hawaii Business and Entrepreneur Acceleration Mentors (HiBEAM)
Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC)
Hawaii Tele-Communications Association (HTCA)
Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
IEEE Hawaii Section (IEEE)
Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies (HCES)
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC)
Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA)
Hawaii Technology Development Venture (HTDV)
Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture (HREDV)
Pacific Telehealth & Technology Hui
Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii (COCHawaii)
Kauai Economic Development Board (KEDB)
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB)
Enterprise Honolulu (EH)
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB)
Marine Technology Society – Hawaii Section (MTS)

STATE OF HAWAII

DBEDT Science, Research, Technology
DBEDT Hawaii’s Growth Industries
DBEDT Innovation Initiative

High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC)
High Technology Innovation Corporation (HTIC)
Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC)
Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA)
National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Science (CEROS)

NEWS

Hawaii Alltop
Bytemarks Cafe
High Tech Maui
Pacific News Bytes / Tech Buzz / Flavors of Technology / Dot Biz
Tech Hui
ThinkTechHawaii
Kaunana, Research Publication of the University of Hawaii
Upload: The Journal of Science & Technology
HiTech Hawaii
Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology
HiTechHawaii
TechJobsHawaii
Targeted Industry Growth Report (TIGR) 1998 – 2003

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

Manoa Geeks
Global Pau Hana
Hawaii Open Source Education Foundation (HOSEF)
Hawaii Macintosh & Apple Users’ Society (HMAUS)
Maui Apple Users Society (MAUS)
Hawaii Mac Nuts
Honolulu Coders
TechOahu
Beer and Business
Dual Use Hawaii
SusHI Sustainability in Hawaii
eList Hawaii
Hawaii Small Business IT Forum

Cranes popped up around Honolulu as real estate development grew. Thousands of homes were built on Oahu and the development continued on Kauai, Maui and Hawaii islands.

Tourism and construction are major industries in Hawaii today.

The innovation and technology industry did not experience the same dramatic growth. “Emerging” best describes its development. However, similar initiatives that shaped the tourism and construction industries are evident in the tech sector.

Federal monies supported research & development and community leaders enacted laws for programs and infrastructure to support the development of the industry. Entrepreneurs started companies in their garages while others relocated their business to the state. Formal and informal industry related groups were created to form a unified network. Venture capital financed the companies and the state celebrated a few IPOs.

Nearly 2000 science and technology companies contributed $3 billion to the State’s economy, according to the 2008 report “Innovation and Technology in Hawaii: An Economic and Workforce Profile” commissioned by the Hawaii Science & Technology Council, the industry association representing tech companies across Hawaii.

Here is a snapshot of the initiatives that lead to the growth of the high tech industry in Hawaii:

2009

TechHui 2007
Manoa Geeks 2006
Honolulu Coders 2006
Kolohala Holdings LLP 2006
Ke Alahele Science & Technology Center 2006
Hawaii Science & Technology Council 2006
Hawaii Life Science Council 2004
Dragonbridge Capital LLC 2005
Kakaako Biotech Park 2005
Hawaii Technology Development Venture 2004
LavaVentures 2003
Hawaii Angels 2002
PacifiCap Group, HiBEAM 2000
International Venture Fund I 2001
UH Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship & E-Business (PACE) 2000

1999

Act 178 High Technology Business Investment Tax Credit 1999
Hawaii Technology Trade Association (HTTA) 1999
West Kauai Technology & Visitor Center 1999
HMS Haweii Management Partners 1998
Tangent Fund Management, LLC 1997
Hawaii Venture Fund 1996
Tangent Growth Hawaii LP 1995
Keo Kea Fund 1995
National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Science
(CEROS) 1993
Maui High Performance Computing Center (MHPCC) 1993
Manoa Innovation Cener (MIC) 1992
Maui Research & Technology Center (MRTC) 1992
Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation (HSDC) 1990

1989

Maui Research & Technology Park (MRTP) 1989
Hawaii Venture Capital Association (HVCA) 1988
Kaimuki Technology Enterprise Center 1988
Hawaii Information Network Corporation 1988
Mililani Technology Park (MTP) 1987
Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) 1986
Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park 1984
CyberPizza Hawaii 1984
Enterprise Honolulu 1984
Kauai Economic Development Board 1984
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board 1983
Pacific Century SBIC 1983
Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR) 1983
High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) 1983
Maui Economic Development Board 1982
Pacific Telecommunication Council (PTC) 1980

1979

Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) 1979
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC) 1978
Hawaii Telecommunications Association (HTCA) 1975
Pacific Venture Fund SBIC 1974

1969

Seed Company Research 1968
Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) 1965
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) 1963
Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers 1961
Oceanic Institute 1960

1959

Association of Information Technology Professionals (1956)
IBM 650, Hawaii’s first computer (1956)
U.S. Government (pre-1959)
University of Hawaii (pre-1959)
Statehood, August 21, 1959

One of the major highlights of the educational outreach programs is the 50 Voices of Statehood vignettes, which are being recorded by the award-winning Searider Productions of Wai’anae High School, feature personal perspectives on statehood and Hawaii’s history from 50 residents representing the state’s diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, political, social and economic backgrounds.

Over the past 50 years, the Hawaii economy has navigated through many different economic industries. In the past, with sugar and pineapple fields throughout the isles, the agricultural industry was dominant. The lure of the beauty of Hawaii brought plane loads of visitors which helped fuel one of the major industries, Tourism, and has gained the film and digital media industry. Statehood brought the business of Government which introduced the Defense and Aerospace industries to the islands. And, since Hawaii is a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it’s prime real estate for research in ocean and life sciences; astronomy; energy and the environment. Many of these industries fall under one umbrella, Technology.

Hawaii Tech 5.0 will document the development of the technology industry in Hawaii. Legislation, infrastructure, programs, industry associations, funding resources, research & development, and of course the entrepreneurs and companies, all shaped the growth of this emerging industry.

Were there successes? Yes.  Were there unsuccessful programs? Absolutely. Lessons learned will provide insight into innovative approaches that will lead the industry into the next 50 years.  The high tech industry has the promise of attractive job and career opportunities for Hawaii’s people.

We acknowledge those who over the past 50 years paved the path of the technology industry in the State to provide a road map for our future.

Photo credit: State of Hawaii