Office of Space Industry

Corporate body

Office of Space Industry

• OSI

1987-1995

The Office of Space Industry (OSI) was established by Act 355, SLH 1988. OSI was a separate office within DBEDT, reporting to the Director, until 1994, when it was placed within the Business Development and Marketing Division. As of December 31, 2001, the Office had not been disestablished. However, none of its positions has been filled since July 1, 1995. Because it is unstaffed, it was removed from the DBEDT organization chart effective January, 1997.

Per HRS §201-73, the functions of OSI were to:
• Oversee, supervise and direct the planning, evaluation and coordination of space­ related activities in the State;
• Initiate discussions for private and international involvement in space-related activities in the State;
• Serve as a clearinghouse for information on Hawaii's space-related activities;
• Develop a business plan for a commercial space facility and for pursuing appropriate business partners;
• Target existing businesses which can provide products and services to the space industry;
• Institute contact and maintain liaison with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and other federal agencies;
• Obtain citizen input on proposed space facilities development; and
• Develop appropriate mechanisms for consideration and protection of Hawaiian cultural values, customary practices, traditional uses and religious rights.

Summary of Activities: Between 1988 and 1995 the Office concentrated its efforts on developing a commercial spaceport in Kau, introducing and developing space-related industries in the state, including a major effort to attract "high-tech" Japanese industry, and fostering space-related educational programs. Public opposition coupled with lack of a market defeated the spaceport initiative. The Legislature did not consider that the results of other efforts were sufficiently effective and declined to continue funding after June 30, 1995.

Successor Agencies: None. As of December 31, 2001, the Office had not been disestablished. However, none of its positions has been filled since July 1, 1995. Because it is unstaffed, it was removed from the DBEDT organization chart effective January, 1997.

HRS §201-73
Hawaii Revised Statutes: Chapter 201, Part V (1993, 2000 Supp)
Session Laws of Hawaii: Act 355, SLH 1988

Between 1988 and 1995 the Office concentrated its efforts on developing a commercial spaceport in Kau, introducing and developing space-related industries in the state, including a major effort to attract "high-tech" Japanese industry, and fostering space-related educational programs. Public opposition coupled with lack of a market defeated the spaceport initiative. The Legislature did not consider that the results of other efforts were sufficiently effective and declined to continue funding after June 30, 1995.

2002-01-30, Prepared by Allen H. Hoof.

2021-08-17, Carol Kellett: Entered into AtoM.