Hawaii Senate Bill SB288

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/23/23

Caption

Relating To The Transfer Of The Culinary Institute Of The Pacific.

Impact

This bill underscores the importance of culinary education as part of Hawaii's economic development strategy. By transferring the institute to DBEDT, the state hopes to streamline governance and administrative processes, thereby maximizing the institute's effectiveness in providing quality training for students. The culinary institute is positioned as a key player in preparing a workforce that meets the demands of contemporary culinary enterprises and food systems, thereby contributing to economic diversification.

Summary

SB288 proposes the transfer of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific from the University of Hawaii to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT). This initiative is aimed at enhancing the economic development of the state through improved access to culinary training and education, which is seen as essential for the growth of Hawaii's diverse economy. The intention behind this transfer is to align the institute's operations more closely with the state's broader economic development goals and to support innovation in the culinary sector.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the effectiveness of this transfer, particularly concerning the autonomy of the culinary institute and how effectively it can operate under the new administrative structure. Some stakeholders might express concerns about potential bureaucratic hurdles that could arise from being placed under a different department, which could lead to challenges in maintaining the quality of training and education for culinary students. Additionally, there could be apprehension regarding the implications for staffing and resources during the transition process.