STAND. COM. REP. NO. 576-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 2302

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2302, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate monies to the University of Hawai‘i for the continued operation and disaster preparedness outreach efforts of the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Be Ready Manoa, and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the University of Hawai‘i College Sea Grant Program has been and continues to be an important partner with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency in preparing disaster-readiness materials for the people of Hawaii. Past projects include the "Homeowner's Handbook to Prepare for Natural Disasters", which was partially funded by grants administered by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, as well as other emergency preparedness public outreach efforts. Your Committee further finds that these continued education measures to help Hawaii residents to prepare for, mitigate against, and recover from disasters are vital to the safety and resiliency of the State.

Your Committee respectfully requests that should your Committee on Finance choose to hear this measure, it consider making an appropriation of $200,000 per year, which was the amount recommended by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2302, 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 Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

GREGG TAKAYAMA, Chair