Report Title:

Appropriations for Windward Community College

Description:

Appropriates funds for Windward Community College.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

3189

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the university of hawaii's windward community college.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that investments in college and universities have a positive and long-lasting impact on the overall health of the state. The legislature further finds that the University of Hawaii system serves thousands of local residents through their community college programs, allowing graduates to remain in their communities as an active and contributing workforce. In order to meet the needs of a growing and diversified population, the community colleges have established sound academic programs and continue to advance technologically and professionally.

Windward community college has transformed from a basic, seventy-year-old hospital building to a state-of-the-art, modern educational institution. With the addition of four new buildings, the students and the community are able to benefit from the latest in educational technology. Classrooms are equipped with media and computer equipment that enhance daily instruction and meet the changing needs of students as they prepare for further education and the workplace.

The college needs a graphic artist to support technologically, innovative initiatives. The imaginarium, an educational tool that allows students to three-dimensionally view anything from the human body to the solar system, requires the development of programming that requires a high level of graphic expertise. The college has found that quality marketing in the form of new and improved school publications make a difference in enrollment numbers. In addition, increased distance education requires well-designed course materials.

Computers have become an integral part of every instructional program. Computer labs for student use need expert staff to advise and assist the students and to keep the equipment running. Faculty need support to create and use online instructional materials. For the campus to reach its fullest potential and maximize the use of computer technology for instructional programs, distance education, and teleconferencing, a substantive and visible commitment to technology is essential.

In 2002, Windward community college merged with the employment training center, allowing the school to become a bigger and more complex organization. While positively impacting the school academically, it has challenged the school's infrastructure and the college needs to build up its support staff to sustain quality service for the students and the community.

With the addition of new "high tech" facilities, the college has greatly increased its need for security. Students have also made it clear that personal security is an important issue for them.
The college's technology vision plan calls for a four-year replacement cycle for computers and high technology equipment. To do that adequately for four hundred computers and thousands of pieces of other equipment, it would require several hundred thousand dollars per year. In the supplemental budget, the college is asking for a modest replacement budget to address the most critical and/or the most antiquated equipment.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to Windward community college for much-needed operating costs, equipment, and infrastructure, and additional staff.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $425,616 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 for the following expenses relating to the University of Hawaii's Windward community college:

A. Technological support for college programs

1. One half-time permanent imaginarium

manager $23,940

2. Two permanent IT computer specialists $95,760

3. One permanent graphic artist $47,880

Total funding $167,580

B. Critical campus infrastructure

1. One permanent account clerk $26,939

2. Contract security $100,000

3. Repair and maintenance $50,000

Total funding $176,939

C. Equipment replacement funds

1. Non inventory equipment $41,097

2. Educational equipment $40,000

Total funding $81,097

The sum appropriated shall be expended by Windward community college for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.

INTRODUCED BY:

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