Appropriates funds to allow the University of Hawaii's Hamilton library to extend its hours.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that based on a twenty-four hour access, 3 days a week pilot project conducted in the spring of 2004, there is a need for increased library hours at Hamilton library at the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. Students at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus have lobbied for twenty-four hour access, three days each week as a high priority. Because most students commute to campus, hold part-time jobs, and have other responsibilities, it is imperative that the library extend its hours to accommodate the diverse schedules of students. At major universities, it is common for libraries to open for operation twenty-four hours a day, during the weekdays.

Furthermore, the library houses essential collections and reference material, provides much needed online computer workstations and basic office applications, and fills an acute need for quiet individual and group study areas absent elsewhere on campus, in the dormitories, and in homes. The appropriation requested is for minimal staffing and building security.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $101,408, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to expand the University of Hawaii's Hamilton library's hours for an additional forty-two hours per week. The appropriation is for the following services:

1. Personal services

One full-time library assistant $23,040

Student assistants 29,240

Subtotal personal services $ 52,280

2. Current expenses

Two security guards $ 49,128

Total amount $101,408

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.