Hawaii Senate Bill SB960

Hawaii 2024 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 passage of SB960 would result in significant changes to existing state laws regarding the appointment of the Board of Regents. It eliminates the requirement for the governor to receive a list of recommended candidates from the advisory council and allows for greater discretion in appointments. Advocates of the bill argue that this approach could improve the response time for filling vacancies and ensure that the board is composed of individuals who align closely with the goals set forth by the governor. However, critics express concerns that this may undermine the independence and broader representation that the advisory council was intended to ensure.

Summary

Senate Bill 960 aims to reform the process of appointing members to the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii by repealing the existing Candidate Advisory Council. The bill empowers the governor to directly appoint members to the Board of Regents, thereby streamlining the appointment process and removing the intermediate step of candidate evaluation by the advisory council. This change reflects a broader trend towards simplifying governance structures within educational institutions and could potentially lead to more direct accountability to executive leadership.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB960 is the potential for reduced diversity and representation within the Board of Regents. Critics argue that removing the advisory council could lead to appointments that do not adequately reflect the needs and interests of the student body and the wider community. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the implications for governance, as direct appointments by the governor might lead to an overreach of executive power in educational affairs. Discussions in legislative sessions have highlighted the need for a careful balance between necessary governance reforms and preserving the integrity of higher education oversight.