HI SB1268

Appropriates $650,000 per year 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

Allocates $400,000 annually for salaries and fringe benefits to fund three full-time positions: a workforce development program manager, a Maunakea Scholars Program coordinator, and an administrative clerk

Allocates $250,000 annually for office equipment, supplies, operational costs, and internship stipends for high school and college students

Expands STEM workforce development by integrating existing programs like the Maunakea Scholars Program, which has served over 1,200 students since 2016 and currently operates in 10 public high schools across Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii Island

Leverages Hawaii's ground-based observatory facilities on Maunakea and Haleakala, which have combined facilities worth over $1 billion and generate more than $200 million in annual economic impact statewide