Hawaii Senate Bill SCR83

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The State Auditor To Conduct A Financial Audit Of The Hawaii State Institutional Networks On Each Island Of The State To Determine Actual Costs For Maintenance.

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the necessity for transparency in the financial operations of the institutional networks by highlighting discrepancies in how maintenance fees are applied. It is noted that cable operators were originally contractually obligated to build these networks without charge to either subscribers or the state. The audit will elucidate whether the costs incurred align with both state mandates and federal regulations regarding franchise fees.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 83 (SCR83) requests the State Auditor to conduct a financial audit of the Hawaii State Institutional Networks across each island. The purpose of this audit is to determine the actual costs associated with the maintenance of these networks. The need for this audit arises from recent authorizations by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which allowed cable operators to impose marginal costs for the maintenance of the portions of institutional networks they use. SCR83 aims to ensure accountability and proper allocation of funds designated for these networks.

Contention

Although SCR83 does not appear to face direct opposition, the implications of the audit could reveal potential misconduct or mismanagement of funds that may cause contention among stakeholders, including cable operators who may be held responsible for maintaining these networks. Additionally, the resolution draws attention to the low maintenance costs of institutional network infrastructure, further solidifying the argument for a thorough examination of their financial practices and justifications for any charges imposed onto the users.

Final_notes

SCR83 requests that the Auditor report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days prior to the start of the Regular Session of 2026, potentially paving the way for future legislative actions based on the audit results.