Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR138

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/12/25  
Report Pass
3/24/25  
Refer
3/24/25  
Engrossed
3/31/25  
Refer
4/4/25  
Report Pass
4/11/25  
Refer
4/11/25  

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Performance Audit Of The Office Of The Vice President For Academic Strategy Of The University Of Hawaii.

Impact

The resolution calls for an assessment focused on several key areas: the effectiveness of the Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education in creating workforce pipelines, the alignment of educational programs with state industry requirements, and the efficacy of transfer agreements between educational institutions. By identifying strengths and weaknesses within these areas, the audit is expected to provide actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and better preparing students for the workforce. This could lead to significant changes in how educational programs are structured and delivered across Hawaii.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 138 (SCR138) seeks to enhance the operational effectiveness of the University of Hawaii's Office of the Vice President for Academic Strategy through a detailed management and performance audit. The purpose of this audit is to assess the existing policies, programs, and initiatives responsible for overseeing academic quality and workforce alignment, ensuring that they meet state economic demands. By scrutinizing these elements, the bill aims to establish clearer pathways from education to employment within the state's job market, emphasizing the importance of alignment between educational outcomes and industry needs.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SCR138 appears to be constructive. Supporters emphasize the necessity of ensuring that the University of Hawaii remains responsive to the demands of the state's economic landscape. Advocates argue that the proposed audit will help achieve greater transparency and accountability within the university's operations. Conversely, while opposition to the bill is not explicitly documented, any concerns would likely revolve around the cost and implications of such audits on educational autonomy and governance, with potential fears over resource allocation or administrative overhead.

Contention

A noteworthy consideration surrounding SCR138 could involve the potential resistance from educational stakeholders who may view the audit as intrusive or questioning the integrity of current academic structures. There may also be debates regarding the criteria used to measure academic performance and workforce readiness, and whether these metrics adequately reflect the diverse needs of students and the community. Ultimately, SCR138 holds the promise of fostering a more tailored educational framework but also raises essential questions about accountability and autonomy in higher education.

Companion Bills

HI SR155

Same As Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Performance Audit Of The Office Of The Vice President For Academic Strategy Of The University Of Hawaii.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR192

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI HCR25

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Financial Audit Of The Hawaii Film And Creative Industries Development Special Fund.

HI SCR116

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of All The Programs Within The State Historic Preservation Division Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HR15

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Financial Audit Of The Hawaii Film And Creative Industries Development Special Fund.

HI HCR50

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

HI HCR25

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

HI SR164

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI SCR216

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Department Of Education's Use Of Moneys Appropriated For The Construction Of Kulanihakoi High School.

HI SCR169

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Program Audit Of The State's Child Protective Services System.

HI HR39

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Operations And Management Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources' Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation.

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