Bill > HB718

This bill seeks to appropriate $763,000 to the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) to fund three new faculty positions and one staff position. The bill specifically aims to create full-time positions in cardiovascular biology, tropical medicine, and quantitative health biostatistics, along with an environmental health and safety officer role. The legislature justifies these positions by highlighting JABSOM's mission to train medical professionals and conduct research benefiting Hawaii and the Pacific region. The faculty positions are intended to strengthen research capabilities, address health disparities, study infectious diseases, and enhance data analysis through biostatistics. Additionally, the bill addresses a transition in chilled water service operations, with the new environmental health and safety officer needed to manage injection well testing and reporting duties previously handled by the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. The appropriated funds will cover these positions for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The broader goal is to support JABSOM's research and educational efforts, particularly in understanding and addressing health challenges specific to Hawaii and the Asia-Pacific region.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=718&year=2025