Aerospace Program

Accelerating Aerospace. Advancing Hawai’i.

~ Leading the advancement of aerospace technology and establishing a statewide innovation corridor that positions Hawai‘i as a globally competitive hub for emerging markets in next-gen aviation and space. ~

LATEST NEWS: [PDF] – Feb 22, 2026 | Star Advertiser | Hawai’i Lawmakers Look to Space for Economic Diversification

OUR MISSION

Driving innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector to expand Hawai’i’s economic future opportunities.

HTDC collaborates with industry leaders, government agencies, and research institutions to accelerate development in aerospace, creating:

New opportunities for commercial ventures
Defense applications
Space research

WHAT WE DO

Drive economic diversification through new aerospace ventures.
Develop Hawai‘i as a hub for aerospace innovation.
Facilitate collaborations between government, industry, and academia.
Advance sustainable and commercially viable space technologies.

AEROSPACE INITIATIVES

Expand Space Situational Awareness Missions

Partnering with CAT and AeroVironment, with sponsorship from Space Force Maui, to secure Direct-to-Phase II funding and establish Hawai‘i as a hub for space monitoring and research.

Develop Sustainable Hypersonic & Rocket Launch Testing

Collaborating with Fenix Space to pioneer low-environmental-impact launch solutions, with support from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation.

Establish Aerospace Infrastructure

Engaging with state legislators, DBEDT, and aerospace stakeholders to identify sites for a dedicated aerospace port. Initial operations will begin at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kaua‘i, with a long-term goal of creating a permanent launch facility on Hawai‘i Island.

AEROSPACE PORT: Envisioned as a multi-use facility, the Aerospace Port would attract commercial operators, provide demonstration platforms, and catalyze investment across emerging aerospace industries. Pre-development efforts are already underway, with industry leaders exploring opportunities in:

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS/UAVs), SeaGliders (electric ground-effect craft), Stratospheric Platforms (HAPS/balloon-based systems), Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft, eVTOL Urban Air Mobility Platforms, Rocket Launch Technologies (vertical and horizontal towed-launch).

Aerospace States Assocation at Fred Haise Test Stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi

At NASA Michoud assembly facility (MAF) with Artemis II rocket with the Aerospace States Association

REPORTS

Nov 25, 2025: Hawai’i Aerospace Port Assessment: Feasibility Study & Options Overview [PDF]

This report assesses the feasibility of developing an Aerospace Port in the Hawaiian Islands. Generally, an Aerospace Port is a coordinated set of facilities, services, and procedures that allow vertically and/or horizontally launched aircraft/, spacecraft, and uncrewed systems to be tested, launched, recovered, and supported under applicable federal, state, and local rules.

PRESENTATION DECK [PDF]

2026 LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

SB2693

Measure Title:	RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR AEROSPACE INFRASTRUCTURE.
Report Title:	Capital Improvement Project; GO Bonds; Aerospace Infrastructure; Hilo International Airport; DOT; Report; Appropriation ($)
Description:	Authorizes the issuance of $15 million in general obligation bonds to finance the planning, design, and construction of a 50,000 square foot aerospace hangar and related facilities at Hilo international airport. Requires matching contributions from the federal government and private sector. Directs appropriation to be expended by the Department of Transportation. Requires a report to the Legislature prior to 2028 Regular Session.

SB2077

HB1608

Measure Title:	RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST FENIX SPACE, INC.
Report Title:	SPRB; Fenix Space, Inc.; Hilo International Airport ($)
Description:	Authorizes the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds for the planning, design, procurement, and construction of the Fenix launch platform system and Fenix Space Hilo flight operations facility. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

CONTACT INFO

aerospace@htdc.org