STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1272

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   S.B. No. 137

      S.D. 2

      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 Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 137, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESEARCH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to statutorily authorize the University of Hawaii to establish and implement an Innovation and Commercialization Initiative Program to:

(1)  Promote, sponsor, and participate in transforming the products of the University's research and instructional activities into viable economic enterprises; and

(2)  Create, finance, and participate in economic enterprises, economic development, and workforce diversification using University research and personnel.

The University of Hawaii, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, Hawaii Business Roundtable, Hawaii Venture Capital Association, Sultan Ventures, XLR8UH, and a concerned individual testified in support of this measure.  A concerned individual testified in opposition to this measure.  The Hawaii State Ethics Commission and Office of Information Practices provided comments.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 137, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

SCOTT Y. NISHIMOTO, Chair