WHEREAS, the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) was established in 1998 by the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii (UH) to bring the University’s resources in ocean, atmospheric, and earth sciences, ocean engineering, and alternative energy research and training, under unified leadership; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii’s location in the Pacific, its geological origins and processes, its abundant natural resources, including a two-million mile Exclusive Economic Zone, provide UH scientists with unique research opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the SOEST enhances educational opportunities in ocean and earth science and technology for the people of Hawaii, the nation, and the Pacific Basin; and

WHEREAS, the SOEST has brought UH-Manoa to preeminence in research and development in ocean and earth science and technology, currently ranking third in the nation in federally funded oceanographic research; and

WHEREAS, the SOEST has established extensive cooperative research and educational programs with Japan and other partner nations in the pacific; and

WHEREAS, the SOEST, by virtue of the unique synergy between the assembled faculties of its component disciplines, provides a foundation for economic interaction and development of marine-related industries within the State; and

WHEREAS, the Research and Training Revolving Fund (RTRF), established under section 304-8.1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, was created to support research and training purposes which may result in additional research and training grants and contracts; and

WHEREAS, for research units such as the SOEST that obtained $60 million in extramural support, the return of RTRF moneys to the source units provides the essential means to continue attracting grant and contracting revenues, and the financial flexibility to remain entrepreneurial and aggressively pursue growth in research areas of economic importance to the State and nation; and

WHEREAS, centralization of authority over the RTRF, faculty hiring, and all such management prerogatives formerly held by the SOEST leadership undermines the entrepreneurial dynamism essential to its continuing success; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of its exceptional standing among its national counterparts, the efficiency and skills of its management, and the outstanding quality of its faculty, the SOEST should be afforded control over resources through its recognized programs of excellence; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that on the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of the establishment of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, this body affirms its support for the mission of SOEST and its faculty and leadership in maintaining the multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional programs that benefit Hawaii and the nation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the President and Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii are strongly urged to similarly support the mission of SOEST within the University through providing SOEST with continued autonomy in the management of its resources, funds, facilities, and personnel, in order to ensure its continued success as the University's premier research institution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, President of the University of Hawaii, Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Dean of the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology