THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3340
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII MAUI COLLEGE, MOLOKAI EDUCATION CENTER.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that education is of paramount importance in the communities in Hawaii, and the State must ensure space and resources for students of all ages to learn and thrive in academic environments. The threat of sea level rise impacts many low-lying communities across the State. Recognizing that some of the educational institutions in Hawaii are in the impacted sea level rise zones, the State has a responsibility to ensure proper planning and resource management for the future of academic institutions and educational opportunities for Hawaii's students.

The legislature further finds that the University of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center is nearing capacity as enrollment continues to increase. In addition to rising enrollment, the Molokai education center is also located in a low-lying area susceptible to sea level rise. As the only higher education institution on Molokai, preserving a space for students to pursue higher education goals is necessary to achieve an educated population.

Currently, the State is in a position to work closely with the land owner, Kamehameha Schools, to enter into an open, long-term lease for a site in Kalamaula, Molokai that would be adequate in size and in a location that is out of the zone currently threatened by sea level rise. As Molokai was the first island with Hawaiian homesteads, located in Kalamaula, which is home to a high population of native Hawaiians, it is appropriate and prudent that the State enter into discussions with the land owner to consider a long-term lease from Kamehameha Schools for students who are interested in pursuing further academic endeavors while remaining on their home island.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii for the relocation and expansion of the University of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the relocation of the University of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center to fourteen and one-half acres of land owned by Kamehameha Schools, tax map key: 2-5-2-011-006 in Kalamaula, Molokai. The University of Hawaii shall also consult with the local Molokai community to ensure the community needs and concerns are met with the intent of the relocation of the University of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center campus to Kalamaula.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Molokai Education Center; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii Maui College for the relocation of the University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai Education Center. (SD1)

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