STAND. COM. REP. NO. 576-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2715

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Lower & Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2715, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY GRANTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for the Research and Technology Grant Program to be administered by the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.; and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

Your Committee recognizes the importance of fostering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the public education system from grade school through the university level and beyond. However, each year many residents leave the State for STEM careers across the United States and other countries. Your Committee finds that educational efforts must be matched with initiatives to foster jobs in research and technology, as research and technology are the core of innovation and the critical first step in a product development cycle.

Your Committee further finds that innovation is essential for creating new jobs in the high technology sector; keeping Hawaii competitive globally; creating new and better STEM jobs for Hawaii's residents; and creating a resilient economy. This measure will support research and development by providing grants to qualified research and technology companies in the State for eligible projects that will foster STEM education and involve participation from the Hawaii's students.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Lower & Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2715, 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 Lower & Higher Education,

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair