What's Being Discussed

The Hawaii Data Task Force is holding a one-hour meeting on September 21, 2026, to cover several topics related to artificial intelligence and data use in state government:

• AI Guidelines: Reviewing an updated version of the state's AI guidelines, incorporating feedback from task force members.
• AI Laws: Discussing what new laws may be needed to support and enforce the AI governance principles in those guidelines.
• AI Training for State Employees: An update on a proposed mandatory training program to help state workers understand AI risks and use AI tools responsibly — not technical training.
• AI Adoption Strategy: Introducing an "AI Champions" approach, where trusted business leaders help guide safe and ethical AI use across state departments.
• AI and Data Projects in Progress: Updates on six specific projects, including a data-sharing effort between the Department of Corrections and Department of Human Services, an automated AI project approval workflow, a bill-tracking tool for government users, a multi-platform virtual assistant for the Department of Transportation, a budget document assistant for the Department of Health, and an HR job classification assistant also for the Department of Health.

Decisions Expected

• Approval of meeting minutes from June 29, 2026.
• Formal approval of the updated AI Guidelines.
• Possible approval of the AI Champions adoption strategy.

Who Should Pay Attention

• State employees who may be required to complete AI training.
• Staff at the Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Corrections, and Department of Human Services, whose projects are being reviewed.
• Members of the public interested in how Hawaii is governing the use of artificial intelligence in government.