HB1630 HD1

Report Title:

Technology Workforce Development; Project EAST; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds into the Hawaii 3Ts school technology laboratories fund to maintain the project EAST program in existing schools and to expand the program to schools statewide. (HB1630 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1630
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the project EAST (environmental and spatial technology) initiative started as a pilot program in the Maui district high schools during the summer of 2000, which later moved to Hawaii county and then to a middle school on Kauai. Project EAST holds great potential for assisting Hawaii's public schools in developing important critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills in Hawaii's youth that are necessary for them to succeed in high technology-based jobs. Project EAST integrates cutting edge technology, such as computer-assisted drafting, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, as well as computer graphic applications, such as soft image, into the educational curriculum. The goal of this initiative is to prepare students for the information technology age by providing a comprehensive project-based and student-centered learning program where students are responsible for their own learning.

Seven project EAST labs have been established in Hawaii-– Chiefess Kamakahelei middle school on Kauai; Maui high school, Baldwin high school, King Kekaulike high school, Lahainaluna high school, and Kihei charter school on Maui; and Kea`au high school on Hawaii. Since 2001, Hawaii students have won a number of awards at the National EAST Conference, competing successfully against approximately two hundred schools in six other states.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds into the Hawaii 3Ts school technology laboratories fund to maintain the project EAST program in existing schools and to expand the program to schools statewide.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 to be deposited into the Hawaii 3Ts school technology laboratories fund established pursuant to section 302A-1314, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that no funds shall be expended unless matching funds are provided.

The Hawaii 3Ts school technology laboratories fund shall be administered by Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, Inc., in accordance with section 302A-1314, Hawaii Revised Statutes, or in partnership with county economic development boards for the purposes of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.