Bill Text: HI HB346 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: University of Hawaii; Appropriation

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-05-11 - Carried over to 2010 Regular Session. [HB346 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2010-HB346-Introduced.html

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Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes an undergraduate degree program in applied engineering at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  Creates a special advisory committee.  Appropriates funds for the committee and two faculty positions.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	346
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

MAKING APPROPRIATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that an engineering curriculum at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is a matter of statewide concern with wide-ranging possibilities for the future.  The university requires essential support to excel in applied and basic science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research fields that provide the hands-on experiences essential for its graduates to be competitive in the global discovery and innovation enterprise.

     The purposes of this Act are to:

     (1)  Establish an undergraduate bachelor in science in applied engineering program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo;

     (2)  Establish a special advisory committee to assist the chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Hilo in establishing an undergraduate degree in science program in applied engineering at the University of Hawaii at Hilo; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the expenses of the special advisory committee; and

     (4)  Appropriate funds for two engineering faculty positions tasked with implementing the new undergraduate degree program.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§304A-    Applied engineering program; establishment.  (a)  Effective July 1, 2011, there shall be established a bachelor of science degree program in applied engineering at the University of Hawaii at Hilo emphasizing robotics, artificial intelligence, data manipulation, sustainable energy, and food security.

     (b)  The program shall seek to address state needs for a bachelor in science level workforce with both experience and training in high priority areas for science and technology economic development in the State.

     (c)  The program shall also have linkages to current and next generation observatories on Mauna Kea, as well as ongoing University of Hawaii at Hilo pacific international space center for exploration systems."

     SECTION 3.  There is established a special advisory committee to be attached administratively to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for the purpose of assisting the chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Hilo in establishing an undergraduate degree in science program in applied engineering at the University of Hawaii at Hilo.  The advisory committee shall be composed of members to be appointed by the chancellor and shall represent a cross section of the business, academic, and governmental communities, including the department of business, economic development, and tourism, with expertise in engineering, science, and technology.

     The chancellor shall submit progress reports including findings and recommendations to the legislature not later than twenty days before the convening of the regular sessions of 2010 and 2011.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 for the expenses of the advisory committee established under section 3 of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2010-2011 for two new engineering faculty positions at the University of Hawaii at Hilo tasked with implementing the new undergraduate degree program; provided that the persons hired to fill those positions should have a background in systems, mechanical, cyber-engineering, or electrical engineering.

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

     SECTION 6.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________