Hawaii Senate Bill SB960

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/27/23
• Report Pass: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23

Caption

Relating To The University Of Hawaii Board Of Regents Candidate Advisory Council.

Impact

The implications of SB960 are profound regarding state laws governing higher education. By removing the candidate advisory council, the bill centralizes decision-making power concerning Board appointments in the office of the Governor. Supporters of the bill argue that this change will lead to more accountable and expedient appointments, reflecting the Governor's strategic vision for the university system. However, critics raise concerns that the elimination of the advisory council may diminish the diversity of viewpoints and expertise in the selection process, and reduce the representation of community interests in higher education governance.

Summary

Bill SB960 proposes significant changes to the governance structure of the University of Hawaii by repealing the existing Candidate Advisory Council for the Board of Regents. The bill enables the Governor to appoint members directly to the Board of Regents rather than relying on recommendations from an advisory council. This shift is aimed at streamlining the appointment process and allowing for quicker responses to vacancies within the Board, thereby enhancing the efficiency of governance at the university level.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding SB960 center on the balance between effective governance and public representation. Proponents believe that direct gubernatorial appointments will foster a more cohesive leadership structure that aligns closely with the Governor's objectives, thereby ensuring accountability and responsiveness to state educational goals. On the other hand, opponents fret that this shift could undermine the collaborative governance principle by sidelining the multifaceted input that the advisory council previously provided, potentially leading to decisions that do not fully consider the diverse needs of the university’s constituents.