Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii's Leeward Community College.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. With the exciting growth in west Oahu and the identified needs on the leeward coast, Leeward community college (LCC) is preparing and positioning itself for a new level of service, excellence, and professionalism. LCC has new opportunities in general education, transfer relations with University of Hawaii-West Oahu, and workforce development training.

New baseline planning data being generated by the University of Hawaii system office points to the leeward-serving area as ground zero in the State of Hawaii for job opportunities and for addressing pressing needs relating to service, growth, outreach, and innovation which are the watchwords for renewal at LCC.

A place of learning must be safe and free of break-ins, theft, and other distracting and intimidating behavior; LCC requests safety budget items to more thoroughly address this learning issue. In addition, LCC needs a campus that is properly equipped on an annual basis. The equipment requests are meant to give teachers reliable and up-to-date equipment as part of a renewed commitment to serve students with respect and in a timely manner.

Additional staffing in financial aid is a priority as increased student dependence on financial aid means that LCC will experience increased activity in this area. LCC’s current staffing profile fails to meet minimum standards set by the professional oversight agency for financial aid officers.

To improve LCC, more marketing capabilities are needed, particularly in web maintenance and design. LCC has special strengths in biotech, math and science, astronomy, engineering, and other academic programs that are not well known and could be better disseminated throughout the community via the Internet. LCC’s vocational, industry-focused programs also deserve stronger marketing in the community, because LCC is optimally placed to provide a greater amount of job opportunities within our growing economy.

To reach these job placement goals, the college must sustain the job placement office. This office has been funded on grant money, and converting it into a permanently funded enterprise is essential in connecting students with the communities' needs.

As part of the effort to extend the academic program development in job-related areas, LCC has launched two promising programs:

(1) Associate of arts in teaching; and

(2) Digital media.

The goal is to strengthen both of these programs in light of student interest and job outlook associated with both, along with a continued focus on programs that support the native Hawaiian community.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $998,939 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 for the following expenses relating to the University of Hawaii's Leeward community college:

A. Increased teacher preparation

1. Faculty $57,500

Total funding $57,500

B. Associate of arts in teacher training

1. One faculty $49,032

2. One permanent faculty $49,032

3. Two permanent clerks $44,302

4. Students $17,670

5. Lecturer $40,000

Total funding $200,036

C. Centralized alarm system

1. Security system $125,000

Total funding $125,000

D. Support for increased campus security

1. One permanent security officer $27,985

2. Safety supplies $5,000

Total funding $32,985

E. Equipment for academic programs

1. Non-inventory equipment $95,400

2. Equipment $63,600

Total funding $159,000

F. Support for financial aid

1. Two permanent student services

specialists $95,760

2. Supplies $4,240

Total funding $100,000

G. Support for English language institute

1. One permanent educational specialist $31,550

2. Supplies $5,000

Total funding $36,550

H. Workforce development – job placement

1. One permanent faculty $49,032

2. One permanent educational specialist $31,550

3. One permanent clerk $22,151

4. Student assistant $7,500

5. Educational supplies $5,000

6. Office supplies $10,000

7. Non-inventory equipment $20,000

8. Data processing $10,000

Total funding $155,233

I. Marketing

1. One permanent educational specialist $46,935

2. Advertising $15,700

Total funding $62,635

J. Digital media support

1. Software IT licensing $20,000

2. Non-inventory equipment $50,000

Total funding $70,000

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Leeward community college for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.