HI SB776

Establishes a biotechnology task force within the University of Hawaii to identify barriers faced by businesses and university professors in developing biotechnology entrepreneurial business models.

Task force shall assess regulatory and permit processing barriers specific to biotechnology businesses, including those related to importation of organisms classified as invasive species or hazardous materials.

Task force membership includes representatives from the University of Hawaii system (including College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, John A. Burns School of Medicine, and Department of Oceanography), Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Hawaii Science and Technology Council, and biotechnology industry businesses.

University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources representative shall chair the task force and report findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 regular session.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2011-2012 to support task force operations, to be expended by the University of Hawaii.