Report Title:

Technology and Innovation Extension Service; University of Hawaii

 

Description:

Establishes a technology and innovation extension service at the University of Hawaii.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1307

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO HIGH TECHNOLOGY.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in a global economy, businesses need to be current with respect to technological developments to remain competitive in the marketplace.

     The legislature also finds that in the past, education was relegated to the classroom.  Today, classrooms can take the form of university extension services to allow consumers to keep current with the latest innovations and trends, especially in the developing and evolving high technology industry.  University extension services expand the classroom to include thousands of consumers and also attract funding for research activities that directly benefit these non-traditional learners.

     Additionally, Hawaii's location at the hub of the Pacific basin provides the State with a unique opportunity to serve the area as a model for innovative thinking.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a university high technology and innovation extension service.

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

     "§304A-     Technology and innovation extension service.  (a)  There is created within the university a technology and innovation extension service to educate and assist consumers with up-to-date trends in and the evolution of modern high technology.  The extension service shall solicit outside funding for research activities to benefit consumers.

     (b)  The extension service shall establish programs concentrating on high technology, environmental quality, renewable energy, and other areas of study that stimulate the use of new technologies and spurs innovation as a means to sustain and enhance the State's quality of life.

     (c)  The extension service shall be provided to any citizen of the State; provided that any information generated by the extension service shall be made available to anyone at no cost."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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