HI HB563

Appropriates general fund money for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy for the Space Science and Engineering Initiative workforce development program

Funds salaries and fringe benefits for three positions: a workforce development program manager, a Maunakea Scholars Program coordinator, and an administrative clerk

Provides funding for office equipment and supplies, operational costs, and internship stipends for high school and college students

Supports expansion of the Maunakea Scholars Program, which pairs high school students with mentors to conduct research using observatories on Maunakea and Haleakala, currently serving over 1,200 students across multiple islands

Creates STEM workforce development pathways from kindergarten through careers, leveraging Hawaii's observatory facilities valued at over $1 billion that generate more than $200 million in annual economic impact statewide