Committee defers Waimanalo research-station CIP and animal-science lab design request

Senate Bill 672, which would authorize general-obligation bonds and appropriate funds for repairs, maintenance and demolition at the University of Hawaii's Waimanalo Research Station, was deferred by the joint committee pending additional information about the university's capital-improvement plan and RIM funding.

CTAHR testified that Waimanalo's station, established in 1950, includes buildings that require repair or demolition and requested $4,000,000 for renovation and demolition. The dean proposed an amendment to add a design-phase appropriation of $1,500,000 for a future animal-science teaching laboratory on a 280-acre parcel (formerly Meadow Gold Dairy land) the university is managing under right of access and expects to receive if design proceeds.

The dean said a full build-out of an animal-science campus and expanded research role could cost an estimated $15 million to $18 million in later phases and could host livestock teaching and field research, student instruction and new faculty. Supporters including the Hawaii Farm Bureau called the station and the animal-science work critical for farmers and ranchers.

Committee members sought clarity on how this CIP item fits into the university's 10-year CIP plan and whether the provost and university budget officials could explain priorities and RIM fund use. One senator asked why projects such as Ching Field receive rapid funding while older station buildings remain in disrepair and urged the provost to attend a follow-up hearing. The chair agreed to defer SB672 to the February 6 meeting and requested the provost and university CIP staff provide prioritization and funding explanations before the committee acts.

No committee vote on passage was recorded at this hearing; the measure remains pending further information.