Appropriates funds to establish a University of Hawaii West Oahu university center in Kapolei or Waianae.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a need to establish university centers in communities that otherwise lack access to programs offered elsewhere in the University of Hawaii system. University centers provide educational opportunities for students who are unable to attend or who have difficulty in attending the West Oahu campus, such as students in the Kapolei and Waianae areas. Although the West Oahu campus is located in Pearl City, many students from Kapolei and Waianae do not have the means or the transportation to attend the West Oahu campus, despite its relatively close proximity.

Presently, there are university centers located on Kauai, Maui, and in West Hawaii. University centers may have different degrees and certificates depending on the community's higher education opportunities and the University Center's ability to receive and support courses and services. However, university centers do not award degrees or certificates for programs offered by other university campuses.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to establish a University of Hawaii West Oahu university center in Kapolei or Waianae.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.