Informing the Legislature that on July 6, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2907 SD1 HD3 CD1 (ACT 186).

This bill officially designates Hawaii as an ocean cluster to promote its growing blue economy, which includes industries like marine construction, tourism, and fisheries. It creates a new Office of Marine Affairs within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and establishes a Marine Affairs Coordinator to lead these efforts. The legislation also transfers existing marine affairs functions from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to this new office, repealing the former department's authority over these matters. By centralizing these responsibilities, the bill aims to leverage Hawaii's unique position as an island state to foster innovation and economic growth in ocean-related sectors.