[§195H-8]  Astronomy development; declaration of policy; reserved viewing or observing time and other requirements.  (a)  It is declared that the support of astronomy consistent with section 195H-1 is a policy of the State.

     (b)  Beginning after the transition period has expired, any lease executed by the authority for an astronomical observatory shall include reserved viewing or observing time of not less than seven per cent of the total amount of viewing or observing time provided by the astronomical observatory for the University of Hawaii, as negotiated by the authority.  The university shall give priority on the use of the reserved viewing or observing time to projects that include the participation of:

     (1)  Hawaii students, including:

          (A)  Graduate and undergraduate students of the University of Hawaii;

          (B)  Students of Hawaii public schools operated by the department of education; and

          (C)  Students from any other school, public or private, in which education is provided to students in the medium of the Hawaiian language, in whole or in part, or that includes a Hawaiian language proficiency requirement for graduation; and

     (2)  Projects curated and submitted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo Imiloa astronomy center.

     (c)  The authority shall develop, negotiate, and execute agreements that promote astronomy.  This includes education, training, employment, and professional development opportunities for state residents.

     (d)  The university shall submit an annual report on the use of the reserved viewing or observing time, including the application of the priorities listed in subsection (b), to the authority and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, commencing with the regular session immediately succeeding the expiration of the transition period established in section 195H-6. [L 2022, c 255, pt of §2]