HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2153

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the fields of aviation law and space law address a variety of important and timely topics, including:

     (1)  Aviation, air travel, aircraft accident investigation and liability, and air traffic control;

     (2)  Regulation of advancing technologies and space activities;

     (3)  Cybersecurity issues;

     (4)  Environmental issues;

     (5)  Drones;

     (6)  International agreements, treaties, and conventions governing aviation and space activities;

     (7)  The rule of law for governments and commercial actors operating in air and space; and

     (8)  The commercialization of space enterprise.

     The legislature finds that these fields will continue to grow in importance as aviation and space issues affect more aspects of everyday life, and therefore declares that this issue is a matter of statewide concern.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii relies heavily on aviation and space for travel, logistics, communication, and commerce.  Hawaii has also contributed significantly to the success of the space programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.  In addition, the Space Force, the United States' newest armed service branch, also maintains operations in Hawaii.

     Therefore, the legislature finds that the university of Hawaii is an ideal place to establish an air and space law program, which would increase Hawaii's knowledge base of air and space law issues and leverage the existing aviation and space sectors that are already active in the State.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate moneys for an air and space law program at the William S. Richardson school of law at the university of Hawaii.

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

     "§304A-     Air and space law program; establishment.  (a)  There shall be an air and space law program within the William S. Richardson school of law at the university of Hawaii at Manoa.  The program shall focus on the study and practice of law relating to aviation law and space law, including the civil, commercial, administrative, criminal, and environmental aspects of those fields.

     (b)  Subject to the availability of funds, faculty, and facilities, the program shall offer courses of study as may be deemed appropriate and confer degrees as may be authorized by the board of regents, including graduate certificates and master of law programs."

     SECTION 3.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII, of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $          , or       per cent.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that the appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest and to meet the need provided for by this Act.

     SECTION 4.  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 2024-2025 to establish an air and space law program within the William S. Richardson school of law at the university of Hawaii.

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

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

UH; William S. Richardson School of Law; Air and Space Law; Appropriation; General Fund Expenditure Ceiling Exceeded

 

Description:

Establishes an air and space law program at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii.  Appropriates moneys.  Declares that the appropriation exceeds the state general fund expenditure ceiling for 2024-2025.

 

 

 

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