Report Title:

Project EAST; Appropriation

Description:

Makes an appropriation for the continuation and expansion of the project east (environmental and spatial technology) initiative in Hawaii's public schools. (SB3002 HD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3002

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for the project east initiative in hawaii's public schools.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that technology-based jobs are highly paid and important in helping to expand and diversify Hawaii's economy. Hawaii has recently made a concerted effort to attract high technology companies by enacting Act 221, Session Laws of Hawaii 2001, which amends a number of tax credits that apply to qualifying high technology companies. In addition to these initiatives, Hawaii needs to develop a highly skilled and trained workforce to attract these high technology companies and jobs to Hawaii.

The project east initiative started as a pilot program in the Maui district high schools during the summer of 2000 and later moved to Hawaii county and then to a middle school on Kauai. Project east (environmental and spatial technology) holds great potential for assisting Hawaii's public schools in developing important critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills in Hawaii's young people which are necessary for these individuals to succeed in high technology based jobs. Project east integrates cutting edge technology, such as computer-assisted drafting, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, as well as computer graphics applications, such as soft image, into the educational curriculum. The goal of this initiative is to prepare students for the information technology age by providing a comprehensive project-based and student-centered learning program where students are responsible for their own learning.

The project east initiative is a public-private partnership developed by business leaders and educators enabling technology-challenged schools to compete nationally and succeed. More importantly, this program enables students to develop crucial skills necessary for them to succeed in life while making the educational experience relevant and educational outcomes measurable.

The purpose of this Act is to support these public-private initiatives by appropriating funds for the continuation and expansion of the project east initiative on all islands.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 for the continuation and expansion of the project east initiative in Hawaii's public schools.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.