HB1625, HD1, Relating to The University of Hawai‘i

/in , , ,

The House Committee on Finance

Thursday, February 25, 2016

3:00 p.m.,  Room 308

RE: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I

Attention: Chair Sylvia Luke, Vice Chair Scott Nishimoto and Members of the Committee

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) urges the committee to oppose HB 1625, HD1.  It is a proposal that substantially alters the ability of the University of Hawai‘i and its faculty members to determine the direction and means to advance research programs.

It inappropriately broadens the scope of legislative oversight to dictate the management of research programs and define the compensation and working conditions of Bargaining Unit 7 members. It’s provisions undermine UHPA as the exclusive bargaining agent and seeks to circumvent the union’s right to negotiate compensation and working conditions.

UHPA urges the Committee to defer this proposed legislation.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristeen Hanselman                                                                                                                                              Executive Director

 

SB 2399, Relating to the Research Corporation of The University of Hawai‘i

/in , , ,
The Committee on Government Operations
and
The Committee on Higher Education and the Arts
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
2:15 p.m., Room 414
RE: SB 2399, Relating to the Research Corporation of The University of Hawai‘i

 Attention: Chairs Donna Kim and Brian Taniguchi,
Vice Chairs Les Ihara and Lorraine Inouye and Members of the Committees

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) strongly urges both committees to oppose SB 2399. This bill would deliver two devastating blows to the State of Hawai‘i.

First, it would require the Governor’s office to create an administrative department for the sole purpose of project review. The department would need to develop an appropriate rubric to be used to analyze project submissions; specific to the purpose and intent of each required hire.

Second, the astronomical impact this would effectuate on faculty to accomplish research projects is insurmountable. The time constraints alone would be detrimental to many research projects. The revenue stream that is generated through grants and other funding sources for many of the research projects is also severely diminished and should be taken into consideration. Finally, there is an adverse effect on retention of highly skilled research faculty and the ability to recruit quality faculty. When an academic void is created it may be difficult to recapture.

These two reasons suggest that perhaps the Governor is not the appropriate person to approve “request for, amendment to, or supplement to research corporation services for a project” as stated as an amendment to Chapter 76, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes.

UHPA strongly urges both committee’s to oppose SB 2399.
Respectfully submitted,

Kristeen Hanselman                                                                                                                                                           Executive Director