Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent 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 will analyze whether these positions effectively support departmental goals, identify any overlapping duties, and provide recommendations for improving administrative efficiency and accountability. The Auditor is required to submit a detailed report with findings and potential legislative recommendations to the Legislature before the start of the 2027 session.
Sponsored bills
Prohibits a procurement officer from disclosing a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score, except the summary of scores, during a debriefing requested by a non-selected offeror. Authorizes the disclosure of a competing offeror's proposal or evaluation score after any protest is resolved and the contract is executed. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Amends the conditions and procedures of alternative dispute resolution methods for condominium-related disputes, including the use of evaluative mediation or binding arbitration. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD2)
Maddy summarySB 1582 symbolically recognizes the coconut palm as a culturally significant plant and sustainable staple food source in the State. The bill does not create new policies or affect any specific group; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment. Its provisions consist solely of this recognition statement, with an effective date set for July 1, 3000. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legislative impact or implementation mechanisms.
Requires the Department of Education and public charter schools to take certain steps regarding incidents of harassment and implement procedures for handling harassment of educational workers. (SD1)
Requires the Director of Taxation to appoint a legal, tax, or accounting professional as an Administrative Rules Officer. Authorizes the Administrative Rules Officer to appoint individuals with suitable experience as Administrative Rules Specialists.
Requires each purchasing agency to provide justification for hiring external consultants. Requires each agency to seek approval from the Legislature for consulting contracts exceeding a certain dollar amount. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Requires the Compliance Audit Unit within the Office of the Auditor to conduct regular audits of agency consultant contracts to assess cost-effectiveness and compliance. Establishes exceptions. Requires each chief procurement officer to ensure that inherent government functions are not delegated to a contractor. Effective 1/1/2525. (SD2)
Maddy summarySB 2659 prohibits current employees of the University of Hawaii or the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii from serving on the Board of Regents. This bill directly affects active staff members at these institutions who might otherwise be eligible for board appointments. The key provision is a clear legal ban preventing such employees from holding board positions, aiming to avoid potential conflicts of interest. The bill is currently in committee review, having passed its first reading and scheduled for a public hearing on February 9, 2026.
Maddy summarySB 2880 clarifies that public charter school teachers qualify for the Teacher National Board Certification Incentive Program, which provides financial rewards to educators who earn national board certification. This change directly affects public charter school teachers in the state, removing a previous eligibility barrier for this specific incentive. The bill’s key mechanism is a straightforward clarification in program rules, ensuring charter school teachers can access the same incentives as teachers in traditional public schools. The bill is currently under review by the Education (EDU) committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 6) requests the Hawaii State Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The audit would examine whether DHHL is effectively fulfilling its mission to deliver lands to native Hawaiian beneficiaries, including its efficiency, resource use, land development pace, and impact on housing stability and cultural preservation. It specifically aims to assess why a $600 million 2022 investment has not reduced the 29,000-person waitlist, with over 2,100 beneficiaries dying while awaiting land. The resolution requires the Auditor to evaluate DHHL's operations, trust fund sustainability, and beneficiary access, then submit findings to the Legislature by early 2027. This is a procedural request for evaluation, not a law changing DHHL's operations.