In one paragraph
Hawaii's SB 1622 SD 1 (2025) would have established the Aloha Intelligence Institute under the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation to facilitate AI research, training and partnerships and develop ethical guidelines and policies for AI use in the State, with general fund appropriations for FY 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 whose amounts were left blank. It passed the Senate 25-0 on March 4, 2025 and was referred to the House HED, ECD and FIN committees March 6, 2025; it was carried over to 2026 on December 8, 2025 and was not enacted.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill did not pass. It would have funded a University of Hawaii AI institute and set no duties for private businesses.
Key provisions
- Would add a section to HRS chapter 304A creating the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, led by a director who convenes an advisory board
- Advisory board: University of Hawaii and other academic representatives, state agencies, technology, business and nonprofit leaders, and community leaders including Native Hawaiian cultural experts
- Institute would facilitate interdisciplinary AI research (e.g. climate resilience, agriculture, health care, renewable energy, cultural and linguistic preservation), foster AI training and education, partner with public and private entities, and develop ethical guidelines and policies for AI use in the State
- Could draw on federal research grants, private sector partnerships and philanthropic contributions; biannual report to the Legislature and Governor
- Appropriations for FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027 with amounts left blank, for 10.0 FTE permanent positions plus non-recurring positions or start-up expenses
- SD 1 effective date written as July 31, 2050; passed the Senate March 4, 2025; referred to House HED, ECD, FIN March 6, 2025; carried over to 2026 December 8, 2025; not enacted
Latest legislative action
Dec 8, 2025. Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Sponsors (showing 5 of 7)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Angus McKelvey D | Sponsor | SD-006 |
| Donna Kim D | Sponsor | SD-014 |
| Glenn Wakai D | Sponsor | SD-015 |
| Joy San Buenaventura D | Sponsor | SD-002 |
| Lorraine Inouye D | Sponsor | SD-001 |
Roll call votes
S Senate Ways and Means: Passed, Unamended Feb 26, 2025
13 yea0 nayPassed
S Senate Labor and Technology: Passed, With Amendments Feb 11, 2025
3 yea0 nay2 otherPassed
S Senate Higher Education: Passed, With Amendments Feb 11, 2025
5 yea0 nayPassed
Topics and industries
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Affected industries
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