The House Committee on Economic Development & Business
and
The House Committee on Labor & Public Employment
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
9:00 am, Conf. Rm. 309
RE: HB 1157, Relating to Technology Transfer at the University of Hawaiʻi
Research
Attention: Chairs Mark Nakashima and Aaron Johanson, Vice Chairs
Jarrett Keohokalole and Daniel Holt, and members of the
Respective Committees
The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) urges the committee to support the passage of HB 1157. This proposed bill clarifies sections of Hawaii Revised Statute 84, Standards of Conduct pertaining to the Code of Ethics. Such a waiver allows faculty members to advance technology transfer activities at the University of Hawai‘i without penalties for commercializing their work which financially benefits the University.
The ability of faculty to work closely with students provides unique opportunities for mentoring, guiding and developing innovative and creative property that have the potential for commercialization. Revisions to the Code of Ethics enhances this potential.
HB 1157 would support the long-standing ethical research principles and technology transfer regulations currently used by the federal government. This also supports the ability of the University to be competitive for external research funding and attracting and retaining innovative faculty.
This benefits both the State and the University by removing current roadblocks and creating an effective and efficient transfer of the results of research in a collaborative manner.
UHPA supports the passage of HB 1157.
Respectfully submitted
Kristeen Hanselman
Executive Director
