Honolulu, Hawaii
S.D. 2
H.D. 1
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twenty-Fourth State Legislature
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns, to which was referred S.B. No. 2480, S.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY WORKFORCE AND DEVELOPMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this bill is to develop Hawaii's technology workforce by:
(1) Establishing the Science Technology and Education Special Fund (Special Fund) within the University of Hawaii (UH) system, to hold appropriations, private contributions, and other funding for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) related programs;
(2) Appropriating general funds into the Special Fund for robotics, the Problem-based, Applied Learning Program, and the Research Experiences for Teachers Program;
(3) Appropriating general funds to the Hawaii 3Ts School Technology Laboratories Fund to provide matching funds for the Environmental and Spatial Technology initiative; and
(4) Appropriating federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program funds and general funds for STEM programs and K-12 creative media education programs.
The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, and numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this measure. The Department of Education supported the intent of this measure. The Department on Budget and Finance and several concerned individuals provided comments.
Your Committee recognizes the need for further funding of technology and science-based education, and notes that support for these innovative STEM programs is an initial step toward the creation of a high-technology workforce in Hawaii. However, your Committee has concerns about the creation of the Special Fund, as it may not meet the special fund requirements of section 37-52.3, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this bill by changing its effective date to July 1, 2034, to encourage further discussion. Technical, nonsubstantive amendments were also made for clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2480, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2480, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committees on Higher Education and Human Services & Housing.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Business Concerns,
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KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |