STAND. COM. REP. NO.  190

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 425

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 425 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify which State Code of Ethics sections do not apply to technology transfer activities sponsored by the University of Hawaii; provided that the activities comply with the regulatory framework and research compliance program and policies approved by the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

The University of Hawaii, Hawaii Venture Capital Association, Hawaii Business Roundtable Incorporated, XLR8UH, The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Sultan Ventures, and a concerned individual supported this bill.  The Hawaii State Ethics Commission and a concerned individual opposed this measure.  Common Cause Hawaii submitted comments.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Amending the effective date to January 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 425, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 425, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair