If enacted, HB1859 will have implications for how public agencies operate in accordance with transparency and training needs. By permitting closed training sessions, boards may enhance their members' understanding of confidential matters while still adhering to open meetings principles in general operations. This flexibility could help boards improve governance and fulfill their duties more effectively, as members would receive tailored guidance in a secure setting.
Summary
House Bill 1859 seeks to amend Section 92-5 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, relating to public agency meetings. This amendment specifically allows boards that are subject to the state's open meetings law to conduct closed meetings for the purpose of providing training to both new and current board members. The proposed change aims to ensure that board members are adequately prepared for their roles and responsibilities, which may involve discussions that are sensitive or not suitable for public disclosure.
Contention
Supporters of the bill argue that allowing closed training sessions is essential for fostering competent leadership within public agencies. It is believed that training in a confidential environment would enable board members to engage more deeply with complex issues surrounding their roles. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential misuse of such provisions, as critics could argue that it creates an opportunity for less accountability and could detract from the commitment to transparency that open meetings laws embody.