Report Title:

Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for the continuing operations of the Pacific international space center for exploration systems.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2939

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to aerospace development.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  Hawaii's diverse natural resources, unique geographic terrain, first-class technological infrastructure, and resident scientific and engineering expertise make our island state an ideal location to develop, grow, and sustain a wide variety of aerospace-related activities that can significantly benefit scientific research, K-12 and university education, and innovative commercial enterprise statewide.  In recognition of this potential, the legislature appropriated $400,000 in Act 149, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, to support the development of a Pacific international space center for exploration systems on the island of Hawaii.

     As a result of the funding; the Pacific international space center for exploration systems:

     (1)  Established an office at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, hired an interim director and co‑director, and formed a coordination team;

     (2)  Implemented a national student design competition, with Honolulu community college taking first prize;

     (3)  Organized and held its first international conference;

     (4)  Assisted in initiating a new curriculum for aerospace studies at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and in forming collaborative research and development teams linking University of Hawaii faculty with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration field centers and mainland universities; and

     (5)  Received nationally competitive National Aeronautics and Space Administration innovative partnership program grants totaling $640,000 to fund the operation of field tests in Hawaii to develop innovative technologies supporting robotic and human missions to the moon.

     The purpose of this Act is to build on the accomplishments to date and the rapidly growing national and international interest in the Pacific international space center for exploration systems by providing continuing funding for the Pacific international space center for exploration systems in fiscal year 2008-2009.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $720,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the Pacific international space center for exploration systems, including:

     (1)  Continued staff support;

     (2)  Continuation of the annual international conference and the student design competition;

     (3)  Development of a comprehensive strategic development plan and the inception of a national capital fundraising campaign;

     (4)  Research for site selection for development of an analog lunar base on the island of Hawaii;

     (5)  Expansion of aerospace education opportunities at both K-12 and university levels statewide and education and outreach programs in local communities; and

     (6)  Development of grant proposals for National Aeronautics and Space Administration research funding and development of both national and international partnerships to support the long-term growth and operation of the center.

     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, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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