STAND. COM. REP. NO 142

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                

 

RE:    S.B. No. 1278

 

 

 

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

 

Madam:

 

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 1278 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LIBRARIES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Board of Education to establish and maintain makerspaces and for the equipment, materials, and personnel necessary for the operation of makerspaces in public libraries statewide.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Public Library System, Hawaii Tech Exchange, and twelve individuals.

 

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii's public libraries are community gathering places where learning happens, ideas are shared, and concepts are developed.  Makerspaces fit within Hawaii's libraries as places where users can fabricate their designs and bring their concepts to life.

 

     Your Committee further finds that the makerspace concept may inspire students to take an interest and gain confidence in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics which are all areas with vast opportunities for growth.  The makerspace may create opportunities to bring together engineering and technology experts to work with students and provide hands on learning experiences in the community.  Not only would the experience itself be valuable, but the possibilities for mentorship and networking could be equally important.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1278 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

 

 

 

____________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair