§226-6 Objectives and policies for the economy--in general. (a) Planning for the State's economy in general shall be directed toward achievement of the following objectives:

(1) Increased and diversified employment opportunities to achieve full employment, increased income and job choice, and improved living standards for Hawaii's people, while at the same time stimulating the development and expansion of economic activities capitalizing on defense, dual-use, and science and technology assets, particularly on the neighbor islands where employment opportunities may be limited.

(2) A steadily growing and diversified economic base that is not overly dependent on a few industries, and includes the development and expansion of industries on the neighbor islands.

(b) To achieve the general economic objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to:

(1) Promote and encourage entrepreneurship within Hawaii by residents and nonresidents of the State.

(2) Expand Hawaii's national and international marketing, communication, and organizational ties, to increase the State's capacity to adjust to and capitalize upon economic changes and opportunities occurring outside the State.

(3) Promote Hawaii as an attractive market for environmentally and socially sound investment activities that benefit Hawaii's people.

(4) Transform and maintain Hawaii as a place that welcomes and facilitates innovative activity that may lead to commercial opportunities.

(5) Promote innovative activity that may pose initial risks, but ultimately contribute to the economy of Hawaii.

(6) Seek broader outlets for new or expanded Hawaii business investments.

(7) Expand existing markets and penetrate new markets for Hawaii's products and services.

(8) Assure that the basic economic needs of Hawaii's people are maintained in the event of disruptions in overseas transportation.

(9) Strive to achieve a level of construction activity responsive to, and consistent with, state growth objectives.

(10) Encourage the formation of cooperatives and other favorable marketing arrangements at the local or regional level to assist Hawaii's small scale producers, manufacturers, and distributors.

(11) Encourage labor-intensive activities that are economically satisfying and which offer opportunities for upward mobility.

(12) Encourage innovative activities that may not be labor-intensive, but may otherwise contribute to the economy of Hawaii.

(13) Foster greater cooperation and coordination between the government and private sectors in developing Hawaii's employment and economic growth opportunities.

(14) Stimulate the development and expansion of economic activities which will benefit areas with substantial or expected employment problems.

(15) Maintain acceptable working conditions and standards for Hawaii's workers.

(16) Provide equal employment opportunities for all segments of Hawaii's population through affirmative action and nondiscrimination measures.

(17) Stimulate the development and expansion of economic activities capitalizing on defense, dual-use, and science and technology assets, particularly on the neighbor islands where employment opportunities may be limited.

(18) Encourage businesses that have favorable financial multiplier effects within Hawaii's economy, particularly with respect to emerging industries in science and technology.

(19) Promote and protect intangible resources in Hawaii, such as scenic beauty and the aloha spirit, which are vital to a healthy economy.

(20) Increase effective communication between the educational community and the private sector to develop relevant curricula and training programs to meet future employment needs in general, and requirements of new or innovative potential growth industries in particular.

(21) Foster a business climate in Hawaii--including attitudes, tax and regulatory policies, and financial and technical assistance programs--that is conducive to the expansion of existing enterprises and the creation and attraction of new business and industry. [L 1978, c 100, pt of §2; am L 1986, c 276, §5; am L 1988, c 70, §4; am L 1993, c 213, §4; am L 2009, c 167, §2; am L 2014, c 133, §2]