Appropriates funds for the Center on Aging at the University of Hawaii.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the University of Hawaii center on aging is an important resource to our community. The center's research is widely respected and applied in aging programs throughout the State. The center has trained professionals to provide critical leadership roles in aging policy and practice, and has served as a focal point for community groups to turn to when questions arise as to best practices, research information, program evaluation, curriculum development, and strategic planning.

While the center has played a significant role in preparing greatly needed professionals in the field of aging, Hawaii continues to face great challenges on how to meet the serious and unremitting needs of our current older adult population. There are serious demands for a well trained workforce and leaders in gerontology in the near future, well-educated citizens who understand the implications of a growing elderly population, and leaders who can develop programs and policies that benefit not only those who are aged, but those who will age. The center plays an important role in meeting a significant part of this workforce development need.

In mid-2006, the center will be transferred from the office of public health studies to the school of social work without resources to function properly and thrive. The only permanently funded position making the transfer is the secretary. The legislature believes that a commitment to provide the center with key, permanent positions will be a relatively small, but important, investment that will bring in significant returns for the University of Hawaii and the State.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to hire permanent staff for the center on aging.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the hiring of permanent staff at the center on aging and costs related to the transfer of the center on aging from the office of public health studies to the school of social work.

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.