Bill Text: HI SB2542 | 2024 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating To The University Of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai Education Center.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-02-06 - The committee on HRE deferred the measure. [SB2542 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2024-SB2542-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2542
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII MAUI COLLEGE, MOLOKAI EDUCATION CENTER.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that education is of paramount importance in the communities in Hawaii, and the State must ensure space and resources for students of all ages to learn and thrive in academic environments.  The threat of sea level rise impacts many low-lying communities across the State.  Recognizing that some of the educational institutions in Hawaii are in the impacted sea level rise zones, the State has a responsibility to ensure proper planning and resource management for the future of academic institutions and educational opportunities for Hawaii's students.

     The legislature further finds that the university of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center is nearing capacity as enrollment continues to increase.  In addition to rising enrollment, the Molokai education center is also located in a low-lying area susceptible to sea level rise.  As the only higher education institution on Molokai, preserving a space for students to pursue higher education goals is necessary to achieve an educated population.

     Currently, the State is in a position to work closely with the land owner, Kamehameha Schools, to enter into an open, long-term lease for a site in Kalamaula, Molokai, that would be adequate in size and in a location that is out of the zone currently threatened by sea level rise.  As Molokai was the first island with Hawaiian homesteads, located in Kalamaula, which is home to a high population of native Hawaiians, it is appropriate and prudent that the State enter into discussions with the land owner to consider a long-term lease from Kamehameha Schools for students who are interested in pursuing further academic endeavors while remaining on their home island.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the university of Hawaii for the relocation and expansion of the university of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center.

     SECTION 2.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 3.  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 for the relocation of the university of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center to fourteen and one-half acres of land owned by Kamehameha Schools, tax map key: 2-5-2-011-006 in Kalamaula, Molokai.  The university of Hawaii shall also consult with the local Molokai community to ensure that community needs and concerns are met with the relocation of the university of Hawaii Maui college, Molokai education center campus to Kalamaula.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Maui College; Molokai Education Center; Relocation; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation to the University of Hawaii for the relocation and expansion of the University of Hawaii Maui College, Molokai Education Center.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.