HI HB984

Establishes a biotechnology task force within the University of Hawaii to assess barriers faced by businesses engaged in biotechnology research and develop recommendations for expedited permit processing.

Task force shall include representatives from the University of Hawaii system (including college of tropical agriculture and human resources, John A. Burns school of medicine, and oceanography department), Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Hawaii Science and Technology Council, and biotechnology industry businesses.

Representative from the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources shall serve as chair of the task force.

Task force shall identify barriers that Hawaii businesses and university professors face in developing biotechnology business models and recommend specific actions to address these barriers, including specialized permit processing for importation of organisms typically classified as invasive species or hazardous materials.

Task force shall submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2012.