Hawaii House Bill HR10

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Probate Court To Increase Transparency And Stakeholder Participation In The Kamehameha Schools Trustee Selection Process.

Impact

The resolution builds on prior efforts, including a 2019 HR that also called for enhanced transparency and stakeholder engagement regarding the trustee selection process. Notably, it references a report from court-appointed special masters that proposed improvements, such as notifying the probate court of upcoming vacancies and publicizing member qualifications of the Trustee Screening Committee. The implications of HR10 suggest a potential shift towards a more inclusive approach, respecting the legacy of Princess Pauahi by ensuring that stakeholders directly connected to Kamehameha Schools have a voice in governance matters.

Summary

House Resolution 10 (HR10) requests that the probate court enhance transparency and stakeholder involvement in the selection process for trustees of Kamehameha Schools. This resolution arises from ongoing concerns about the governance model of Kamehameha Schools, established by the will of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, which aims to provide educational opportunities to improve the well-being of individuals of Hawaiian ancestry. The resolution highlights the need for trustees to involve a wider range of Kamehameha Schools stakeholders, particularly the Native Hawaiian community, alumni, students, and faculty, in trustee selection decisions.

Contention

While HR10 calls for increased participation, there may be contention around how these proposals are implemented, particularly regarding the composition of the Trustee Screening Committee. The resolution emphasizes a need for the committee to include a majority of Native Hawaiian members, which aligns with efforts to ensure that the trustees are more attuned to the needs and values of the community they serve. However, there may be resistance from current trustees who might view this as an encroachment on their established selection processes, raising questions about balancing stakeholder interests against traditional governance frameworks.