Appropriates funds for utility, repair, and maintenance expenses for the entire University of Hawaii system. (HB3158 HD2)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. Due to decades of deferred repair and maintenance, many buildings and other infrastructure that comprise the University of Hawaii system have steadily deteriorated from neglect. Too often, funds for repair and maintenance have been diverted to address more immediate needs such as skyrocketing costs of electricity and other utilities. As a result, many of the ten campuses statewide suffer from leaking roofs, termite infestation, and crumbling walls and ceilings that are becoming more and more expensive to repair. Sometimes, as stop-gap measures, funds from instruction, research, and student services programs have had to be diverted to fix the most serious infrastructure problems. Today, many of these deteriorating buildings are inadequate to serve the needs of the faculty and students as they strive to keep up with technological standards and advancements within their respective colleges and programs.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $84,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to pay for the utility, repair, and maintenance expenses of the University of Hawaii and its community colleges.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.