Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill directs a specific amount of money from the state's General Fund into the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund. The transfer is required by Article VII, Section 6 of the Hawaii State Constitution, which mandates these deposits to help stabilize the state's finances during economic downturns. The measure does not create new spending or alter existing programs but rather moves existing funds to a reserve account. It affects the state's overall budget management by ensuring that money is set aside for future financial needs.

PART I: Redesignates the Stadium Development District as the Halawa Community Development District (HCDD). Amends the composition of the Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA) for purposes of the HCDD. Amends the duties and powers of the HCDA and Stadium Authority as they relate to activities within the HCDD. Clarifies the HCDA's permitting and consultation powers regarding public projects within community development districts. Establishes the HCDD Special Fund. Establishes requirements for the Comptroller to verify that invoices for the capital costs of the HCDD comply with applicable law and the purposes for which public funds were appropriated, allocated, transferred, deposited, or otherwise made available. PART II: Appropriates funds for the establishment of positions. Appropriates funds from the Stadium Development Special Fund for the purposes of the special fund. Conditions the expenditure of the appropriated funds out of the special fund upon compliance with state planning, land use, and financing statutes. PART III: Requires the HCDA, when planning and developing housing, to endeavor to plan for complete communities that include various aspects supporting quality of life. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 2598 authorizes state agencies to use funds from certain special and revolving funds to cover the operational and administrative costs of the programs those funds support. This directly affects state programs that manage non-general funds, such as those for specific services or projects. The bill changes existing rules by permitting these funds to pay for routine program management expenses, rather than requiring separate budget allocations for such costs. It does not create new programs or alter funding levels but streamlines how existing program funds can be used.

Appropriates funds to establish a bachelor's degree program in agricultural science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu; to fund one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position; and for supplies and equipment to support the programs. (CD1)

Maddy summarySB 2921 transfers leftover funds from various specialized state accounts (like dedicated program funds) into the main general fund. It directly affects state budget management by consolidating unused balances. The bill's key provision is a routine budget adjustment to redirect excess money, not altering any policies or programs. This procedural change has no direct impact on residents or specific groups, as it only moves existing funds. (1 sentence, as it is a routine budget transfer.)

Authorizes the use of the University of Hawaii Tuition and Fees Special Fund to conduct donor evaluations. Requires the related report to the Legislature to include any donor evaluations conducted using moneys from the fund. (CD1)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct quarterly performance and management audits of Hawaii's Department of Education and its attached agencies. The bill addresses concerns that the department's internal audit office has a conflict of interest because its director reports directly to the Superintendent, while the existing Audit Committee lacks authority to evaluate program effectiveness for student success. Under this resolution, the Auditor would rotate quarterly audits among different agencies and focus on academic performance, leadership structures, federal funding usage, and school plans. The Department of Education is urged to use these audit findings to evaluate programs and reallocate resources to improve student academic outcomes and workforce readiness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution asks the State Auditor to review the Department of Education's list of unfinished school construction and renovation projects. The audit will examine how much money has been spent on each project, why some are delayed or over budget, and how much additional funding is needed to finish them. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the state's school infrastructure needs and suggest ways to manage future projects more effectively. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to perform quarterly performance and management audits of the Department of Education and its related agencies. The bill aims to address concerns about the current internal audit structure by having an independent external auditor evaluate program effectiveness, leadership, federal fund usage, and school plans. These audits will rotate among different departments and must cover at least two performance and two management reviews each year. The Department of Education and its agencies are asked to use the audit results to adjust programs and resource allocation to better support student success and workforce preparation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance and fiscal audit of the Department of Education's governance structure and administrative leadership in Hawaii. The audit will examine the roles, responsibilities, staffing, and costs associated with key leadership positions including the State Superintendent, Deputy Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and Complex Area Superintendents. The review aims to evaluate whether the current organizational structure effectively supports the Department's strategic goals, identify any overlapping responsibilities, and provide recommendations for improving administrative efficiency and accountability. The Auditor will submit a detailed report with findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.