Hawaii Revised Statutes Division 1. Government § 201-2

(a) It shall be the objective of the department of business, economic development, and tourism to make broad policy determinations with respect to economic development in the State and to stimulate through research and demonstration projects those industrial and economic development efforts that offer the most immediate promise of expanding the economy of the State. The department shall endeavor to gain an understanding of those functions and activities of other governmental agencies and of private agencies that relate to the field of economic development. It shall, at all times, encourage initiative and creative thinking in harmony with the objectives of the department.

(b) The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall have jurisdiction over state planning under chapter 225M and the Hawaii State Planning Act under chapter 226. Due to the inherently interdependent functions of development, planning, and land use, these functions shall not be transferred by executive order, directive, or memorandum, to any other department, nor shall these functions be subject to review or approval by any other department.