STAND. COM. REP. NO. 354-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2503

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2503 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESEARCH,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to repeal the June 30, 2024, sunset date in Act 8, Special Session Laws of Hawaii 2021, to allow the continuation of the Innovation and Commercialization Initiative Program established within the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the University of Hawaii is the sole system of public higher education within the State and as such is a central contributor to the diversification of Hawaii's economy. To stay competitive, the University must promote research and innovation which is made possible via the support of federal funds and external sponsors. The Innovation and Commercialization Initiative Program plays an essential role in supporting the University in its endeavors to produce strong, comprehensive, and competitive university level research.

Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to June 29, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

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. 2503, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2503, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair