HB 2344: Governor; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Education; Public School Realignment and Closure Commission; Reports; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's public school system is a foundational public asset that is facing significant challenges.  Projections from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education indicate that Hawaii is expected to experience the nation's steepest decline in high school graduates over the next sixteen years, with enrollment decreases likely to accelerate.

     The legislature further finds that, while statewide public school enrollment today is nearly the same as it was in 1961, the number of schools has increased by approximately twenty per cent.  Decades of enrollment growth led to the construction of new campuses, but the recent and continuing decline in student numbers has left many facilities underutilized.  This imbalance has created operational inefficiencies and diverted resources that could otherwise be used to support student learning or modernize facilities in high-need areas.  The legislature also finds that prior efforts to consolidate or close schools have often been slow, inconsistent, and subject to political delay.  In light of declining enrollment, potential reductions in federal funding, and the State's need for fiscal prudence, a proactive and data-driven process is required to optimize the public school system for the twenty-first century.

     The legislature additionally finds that the federal Base Realignment and Closure process provides a proven and effective model for making complex and politically sensitive infrastructure decisions.  By establishing an independent commission and requiring an "all‑or‑nothing" vote on its recommendations, the Base Realignment and Closure model ensures that decisions are guided by objective data and the overall public interest rather than localized political pressures.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary, independent public school realignment and closure commission to review the State's public school facilities and recommend a comprehensive package of consolidations, realignments, or closures for an expedited, up-or-down approval process.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a temporary public school realignment and closure commission to be placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes only.

     (b)  The commission shall consist of nine members appointed for a term to expire upon the dissolution of the commission as provided in this Act.  The members shall comprise:

     (1)  One voting member appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

     (2)  Two voting members appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (3)  One voting member appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

     (4)  Two voting members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

     (5)  One voting member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

     (6)  The comptroller, or the comptroller's designee, who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member; and

     (7)  The superintendent of education, or the superintendent's designee, who shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member.

The voting members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the voting members.

     (c)  Each appointee shall have experience in one or more of the following fields:  public finance, urban planning, real estate, education administration, or facilities management.  No person who is a current elected official; registered lobbyist; or member or employee of the department of education, board of education, school facilities authority, or school facilities authority board shall be eligible to serve as a voting member of the commission.

     (d)  The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The department of accounting and general services shall provide to the commission any administrative support the department deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the commission.

     (f)  The commission shall:

     (1)  Develop and adopt, after public hearings, a comprehensive and objective set of criteria to be used in evaluating public school facilities for potential consolidation, realignment, or closure.  The criteria shall include:

          (A)  The facility's:

              (i)  Current and projected student enrollment data;

             (ii)  Condition, including any deferred maintenance backlogs or capital improvement needs;

            (iii)  Annual operational costs and cost per pupil; and

             (iv)  Building capacity and utilization rates;

          (B)  The geographic proximity and capacity of other schools in the area;

          (C)  The potential for reuse, sale, or redevelopment of school properties;

          (D)  Equity considerations, including the impact of a potential consolidation, realignment, or closure on students from disadvantaged communities;

          (E)  The academic needs of students, with specific consideration for students receiving special education services; and

          (F)  The logistical feasibility of transition plans for affected students and staff;

     (2)  Request and receive from the department of education, school facilities authority, and any other state or county agency any data necessary to conduct its evaluation, including any existing reports, data, and analyses from the department of education regarding ongoing school consolidation efforts;

     (3)  Formally consult with the board of education during the development of the criteria and the evaluation of public school facilities to ensure educational priorities are considered; and

     (4)  Conduct a statewide review of public school facilities based on the criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (1).

     (g)  The commission shall be subject to chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (h)  The commission shall prepare a preliminary report containing its proposed recommendations for the consolidation, realignment, or closure of specific public schools.  Within one hundred days of the appointment of all voting members to the commission, the commission shall publish a public notice of the preliminary report in each county.

     (i)  Following the initial public notice, the commission shall hold at least one public hearing on the preliminary report in each county.  The commission shall provide at least twenty days of advance notice prior to each public hearing.  The notice shall include a statement summarizing the substance of the preliminary report and the date, time, and location where interested persons may be heard.

     (j)  At each public hearing, all interested persons shall be afforded an opportunity to submit data, views, or arguments, either orally or in writing, for the commission to consider.

     (k)  Following the public hearings, the commission shall issue a final report and comprehensive list of recommendations, which may include a timeline for phased consolidations, realignments, or closures.  No later than October 1, 2028, the commission shall file the final report with the governor, president of the senate, speaker of the house of representatives, and board of education.

     (l)  Upon filing of the final report pursuant to subsection (k), the recommendations contained in the final report shall become final and binding.  No further approval by the governor, legislature, or board of education shall be required.

     (m)  The board of education and department of education shall take all necessary actions to implement the binding recommendations of the commission pursuant to this section no later than October 1, 2029, and may implement the recommendations in phases as outlined in the final report of the commission.

     SECTION 3.  The board of education and department of education shall cooperate with the commission and supply the commission with any relevant information requested by the commission.

     SECTION 4.  The public school realignment and closure commission shall cease to exist on June 30, 2029.

     SECTION 5.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "Commission" means the public school realignment and closure commission established by this Act.

     "Public school" shall have the same meaning as "department school" as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  "Public school" does not include a charter school governed by chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     "Public school facilities" means facilities of a department school as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  "Public school facilities" does not include facilities of a charter school governed by chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the public school realignment and closure commission.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2026; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Governor; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Education; Public School Realignment and Closure Commission; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Requires an expedited approval process for the recommended school consolidations, realignments, and closures.  Appropriates funds.  (CD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's public school system is a foundational public asset that is facing significant challenges.  Projections from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education indicate that Hawaii is expected to experience the nation's steepest decline in high school graduates over the next sixteen years, with enrollment decreases likely to accelerate.

     The legislature further finds that, while statewide public school enrollment today is nearly the same as it was in 1961, the number of schools has increased by approximately twenty per cent.  Decades of enrollment growth led to the construction of new campuses, but the recent and continuing decline in student numbers has left many facilities underutilized.  This imbalance has created operational inefficiencies and diverted resources that could otherwise be used to support student learning or modernize facilities in high-need areas.  The legislature also finds that prior efforts to consolidate or close schools have often been slow, inconsistent, and subject to political delay.  In light of declining enrollment, potential reductions in federal funding, and the State's need for fiscal prudence, a proactive and data-driven process is required to optimize the public school system for the twenty-first century.

     The legislature additionally finds that the federal Base Realignment and Closure process provides a proven and effective model for making complex and politically sensitive infrastructure decisions.  By establishing an independent commission and requiring an "all‑or‑nothing" vote on its recommendations, the Base Realignment and Closure model ensures that decisions are guided by objective data and the overall public interest rather than localized political pressures.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary, independent public school realignment and closure commission to review the State's public school facilities and recommend a comprehensive package of consolidations, realignments, or closures for an expedited, up-or-down approval process by the governor and the legislature.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a temporary public school realignment and closure commission to be placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes only.

     (b)  The commission shall consist of nine members appointed for a term to expire upon the dissolution of the commission as provided in this Act.  The members shall comprise:

     (1)  Three members appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

     (2)  Three members appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (3)  Three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

provided that one member of the commission shall be an educational administrator.

     (c)  Appointees shall have expertise in one or more of the following fields:  public finance, urban planning, real estate, education administration, or facilities management.  No person who is a current elected official; registered lobbyist; or member or employee of the department of education, board of education, school facilities authority, or school facilities authority board shall be eligible to serve on the commission.

     (d)  The commission shall elect a chairperson from its members.  The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The department of accounting and general services shall provide to the commission any administrative support the department deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the commission.

     (f)  The commission shall:

     (1)  Develop and adopt, after public hearings, a comprehensive and objective set of criteria to be used in evaluating public school facilities for potential consolidation, realignment, or closure.  The criteria shall include:

          (A)  The facility's:

               (i)  Current and projected student enrollment data;

              (ii)  Condition, including any deferred maintenance backlogs or capital improvement needs;

             (iii)  Annual operational costs and cost per pupil; and

              (iv)  Building capacity and utilization rates;

          (B)  The geographic proximity and capacity of other schools in the area;

          (C)  The potential for reuse, sale, or redevelopment of school properties; and

          (D)  Equity considerations, including the impact of a potential consolidation, realignment, or closure on students from disadvantaged communities;

     (2)  Request and receive from the department of education, school facilities authority, and any other state or county agency any data necessary to conduct its evaluation;

     (3)  Conduct a statewide review of public school facilities based on the criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (1); and

     (4)  Prepare and submit to the legislature and governor, no later than October 1, 2027, a final report containing a single, comprehensive list of recommendations for the consolidation, realignment, or closure of specific public schools; provided that the report shall include a detailed justification for each recommendation based on the adopted criteria and an estimate of the net savings and costs associated with each recommendation.

     (g)  The commission shall be subject to chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (h)  No later than November 15, 2027, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the commission's report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (2)  Transmit the report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration;

provided that if the governor does not approve or disapprove the report by November 15, 2027, the report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration.

     (i)  If the governor disapproves the commission's report, the report shall be returned to the commission with the reasons for disapproval, and the commission may submit a revised report to the governor no later than December 15, 2027.  No later than January 1, 2028, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the revised report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (2)  Transmit the revised report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration;

provided that if the governor does not approve or disapprove the revised report by January 1, 2028, the revised report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration; provided further that if the governor disapproves the revised report, the process established by this Act shall be terminated, and the commission shall take no further action.

     (j)  If the governor approves the commission's original or revised report pursuant to subsections (h) or (i), the legislature shall vote on a concurrent resolution during the regular session of 2028 to either approve or disapprove the report in its entirety, without amendment.

     (k)  If a concurrent resolution for approval of the commission's report is adopted by the legislature, or if the legislature fails to adopt a concurrent resolution for disapproval by the adjournment sine die of the regular session of 2028, the recommendations in the report shall be binding and shall be implemented by the board of education and department of education.

     SECTION 3.  The board of education and department of education may take all necessary actions to implement the commission's approved recommendations pursuant to section 2(k) of this Act no later than July 1, 2028.

     SECTION 4.  The public school realignment and closure commission shall cease to exist on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 5.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "Commission" means the public school realignment and closure commission established by this Act.

     "Public school" shall have the same meaning as "department school" as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  "Public school" does not include a charter school governed by chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     "Public school facilities" means facilities of a department school as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  "Public school facilities" does not include facilities of a charter school governed by chapter 302D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the public school realignment and closure commission.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2055; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Governor; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Education; Public School Realignment and Closure Commission; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Requires an expedited approval process by the Governor and Legislature.  Appropriates moneys.  Effective 7/31/2055.  (SD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's public school system is a foundational public asset that is facing significant challenges.  Projections from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education indicate that Hawaii is expected to experience the nation's steepest decline in high school graduates over the next sixteen years, with enrollment decreases likely to accelerate.

     The legislature further finds that, while statewide public school enrollment today is nearly the same as it was in 1961, the number of schools has increased by approximately twenty per cent.  Decades of enrollment growth led to the construction of new campuses, but the recent and continuing decline in student numbers has left many facilities underutilized.  This imbalance has created operational inefficiencies and diverted resources that could otherwise be used to support student learning or modernize facilities in high-need areas.  The legislature also finds that prior efforts to consolidate or close schools have often been slow, inconsistent, and subject to political delay.  In light of declining enrollment, potential reductions in federal funding, and the State's need for fiscal prudence, a proactive and data-driven process is required to optimize the public school system for the twenty-first century.

     The legislature additionally finds that the federal Base Realignment and Closure process provides a proven and effective model for making complex and politically sensitive infrastructure decisions.  By establishing an independent commission and requiring an "all‑or‑nothing" vote on its recommendations, the Base Realignment and Closure model ensures that decisions are guided by objective data and the overall public interest rather than localized political pressures.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary, independent public school realignment and closure commission to review the State's public school facilities and recommend a comprehensive package of consolidations, realignments, or closures for an expedited, up-or-down approval process by the governor and the legislature.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a temporary public school realignment and closure commission to be placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes only.

     (b)  The commission shall consist of nine members appointed for a term to expire upon the dissolution of the commission as provided in this Act.  The members shall comprise:

     (1)  Three members appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

     (2)  Three members appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (3)  Three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

provided that one member of the commission shall be an educational administrator.

     (c)  Appointees shall have expertise in one or more of the following fields:  public finance, urban planning, real estate, education administration, or facilities management.  No person who is a current elected official; registered lobbyist; or member or employee of the department of education, board of education, school facilities authority, or school facilities authority board shall be eligible to serve on the commission.

     (d)  The commission shall elect a chairperson from its members.  The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The department of accounting and general services shall provide to the commission any administrative support the department deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the commission.

     (f)  The commission shall:

     (1)  Develop and adopt, after public hearings, a comprehensive and objective set of criteria to be used in evaluating public school facilities for potential consolidation, realignment, or closure.  The criteria shall include:

          (A)  The facility's:

               (i)  Current and projected student enrollment data;

              (ii)  Condition, including any deferred maintenance backlogs or capital improvement needs;

             (iii)  Annual operational costs and cost per pupil; and

              (iv)  Building capacity and utilization rates;

          (B)  The geographic proximity and capacity of other schools in the area;

          (C)  The potential for reuse, sale, or redevelopment of school properties; and

          (D)  Equity considerations, including the impact of a potential consolidation, realignment, or closure on students from disadvantaged communities;

     (2)  Request and receive from the department of education, school facilities authority, and any other state or county agency any data necessary to conduct its evaluation;

     (3)  Conduct a statewide review of public school facilities based on the criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (1); and

     (4)  Prepare and submit to the legislature and governor, no later than October 1, 2027, a final report containing a single, comprehensive list of recommendations for the consolidation, realignment, or closure of specific public schools; provided that the report shall include a detailed justification for each recommendation based on the adopted criteria and an estimate of the net savings and costs associated with each recommendation.

     (g)  The commission shall be subject to chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (h)  No later than November 15, 2027, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the commission's report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (2)  Transmit the report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration;

provided that if the governor does not approve or disapprove the report by November 15, 2027, the report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration.

     (i)  If the governor disapproves the commission's report, the report shall be returned to the commission with the reasons for disapproval, and the commission may submit a revised report to the governor no later than December 15, 2027.  No later than January 1, 2028, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the revised report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (2)  Transmit the revised report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration;

provided that if the governor does not approve or disapprove the revised report by January 1, 2028, the revised report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration; provided further that if the governor disapproves the revised report, the process established by this Act shall be terminated, and the commission shall take no further action.

     (j)  If the governor approves the commission's original or revised report pursuant to subsections (h) or (i), the legislature shall vote on a concurrent resolution during the regular session of 2028 to either approve or disapprove the report in its entirety, without amendment.

     (k)  If a concurrent resolution for approval of the commission's report is adopted by the legislature, or if the legislature fails to adopt a concurrent resolution for disapproval by the adjournment sine die of the regular session of 2028, the recommendations in the report shall be binding and shall be implemented by the board of education and department of education.

     SECTION 3.  The board of education and department of education shall take all necessary actions to implement the commission's approved recommendations pursuant to subsection (k) of section 2 of this Act no later than July 1, 2028.

     SECTION 4.  The public school realignment and closure commission shall cease to exist on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 5.  For the purposes of this Act, "commission" means the public school realignment and closure commission established by this Act.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the public school realignment and closure commission.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2055; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Governor; Department of Accounting and General Services; Public School Realignment and Closure Commission; Department of Education; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Requires an expedited approval process by the Governor and Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/31/2055.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's public school system is a foundational public asset that is facing significant challenges.  Projections from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education indicate that Hawaii is expected to experience the nation's steepest decline in high school graduates over the next sixteen years, with enrollment decreases likely to accelerate.

     The legislature further finds that, while statewide public school enrollment today is nearly the same as it was in 1961, the number of schools has increased by approximately twenty per cent.  Decades of enrollment growth led to the construction of new campuses, but the recent and continuing decline in student numbers has left many facilities underutilized.  This imbalance has created operational inefficiencies and diverted resources that could otherwise be used to support student learning or modernize facilities in high-need areas.  The legislature also finds that prior efforts to consolidate or close schools have often been slow, inconsistent, and subject to political delay.  In light of declining enrollment, potential reductions in federal funding, and the State's need for fiscal prudence, a proactive and data-driven process is required to optimize the public school system for the twenty-first century.

     The legislature additionally finds that the federal Base Realignment and Closure process provides a proven and effective model for making complex and politically sensitive infrastructure decisions.  By establishing an independent commission and requiring an "all‑or‑nothing" vote on its recommendations, the Base Realignment and Closure model ensures that decisions are guided by objective data and the overall public interest rather than localized political pressures.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary, independent public school realignment and closure commission to review the State's public school facilities and recommend a comprehensive package of consolidations, realignments, or closures for an expedited, up-or-down approval process by the governor and the legislature.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a temporary public school realignment and closure commission to be placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes only.

     (b)  The commission shall consist of nine members appointed for a term to expire upon the dissolution of the commission as provided in this Act.  The members shall comprise:

     (1)  Three members appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

     (2)  Three members appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (3)  Three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

provided that one member of the commission shall be an educational administrator.

     (c)  Appointees shall have expertise in one or more of the following fields:  public finance, urban planning, real estate, education administration, or facilities management.  No person who is a current elected official; registered lobbyist; or member or employee of the department of education, board of education, school facilities authority, or school facilities authority board shall be eligible to serve on the commission.

     (d)  The commission shall elect a chairperson from its members.  The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The department of accounting and general services shall provide to the commission any administrative support the department deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the commission.

     (f)  The commission shall:

     (1)  Develop and adopt, after public hearings, a comprehensive and objective set of criteria to be used in evaluating public school facilities for potential consolidation, realignment, or closure.  The criteria shall include:

          (A)  The facility's:

              (i)  Current and projected student enrollment data;

             (ii)  Condition, including any deferred maintenance backlogs or capital improvement needs;

            (iii)  Annual operational costs and cost per pupil; and

             (iv)  Building capacity and utilization rates;

          (B)  The geographic proximity and capacity of other schools in the area;

          (C)  The potential for reuse, sale, or redevelopment of school properties; and

          (D)  Equity considerations, including the impact of a potential consolidation, realignment, or closure on students from disadvantaged communities;

     (2)  Request and receive from the department of education, school facilities authority, and any other state or county agency any data necessary to conduct its evaluation;

     (3)  Conduct a statewide review of public school facilities based on the criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (1); and

     (4)  Prepare and submit to the legislature and governor, no later than October 1, 2027, a final report containing a single, comprehensive list of recommendations for the consolidation, realignment, or closure of specific public schools; provided that the report shall include a detailed justification for each recommendation based on the adopted criteria and an estimate of the net savings and costs associated with each recommendation.

     (g)  The commission shall be subject to chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (h)  No later than November 15, 2027, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the commission's report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (2)  Transmit the report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration.

If the governor does not approve or disapprove the report by November 15, 2027, the report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration.

     (i)  If the governor disapproves the commission's report, the report shall be returned to the commission with the reasons for disapproval, and the commission may submit a revised report to the governor no later than December 15, 2027.  No later than January 1, 2028, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the revised report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (2)  Transmit the revised report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration.

If the governor does not approve or disapprove the revised report by January 1, 2028, the revised report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration.  If the governor disapproves the revised report, the process established by this Act shall be terminated, and the commission shall take no further action.

     (j)  If the governor approves the commission's original or revised report pursuant to subsections (h) and (i), the legislature shall vote on a concurrent resolution during the regular session of 2028 to either approve or disapprove the report in its entirety, without amendment.

     (k)  If a concurrent resolution for approval of the commission's report is adopted by the legislature, or if the legislature fails to adopt a concurrent resolution for disapproval by the adjournment sine die of the regular session of 2028, the recommendations in the report shall be binding and shall be implemented by the board of education and department of education.

     SECTION 3.  The board of education and department of education shall take all necessary actions to implement the commission's approved recommendations pursuant to section 2 (k) no later than July 1, 2028.

     SECTION 4.  The public school realignment and closure commission shall cease to exist on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 5.  For purposes of this Act, "commission" means the public school realignment and closure commission established by this Act.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the public school realignment and closure commission.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.    SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Public School Realignment and Closure Commission; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Education; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model.  Requires an expedited approval process by the Governor and Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to school facilities.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's public school system is a foundational public asset that is facing significant challenges.  Projections from the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education indicate that Hawaii is expected to experience the nation's steepest decline in high school graduates over the next sixteen years, with enrollment decreases likely to accelerate.

     The legislature further finds that, while statewide public school enrollment today is nearly the same as it was in 1961, the number of schools has increased by approximately twenty per cent.  Decades of enrollment growth led to the construction of new campuses, but the recent and continuing decline in student numbers has left many facilities underutilized.  This imbalance has created operational inefficiencies and diverted resources that could otherwise be used to support student learning or modernize facilities in high-need areas.  The legislature also finds that prior efforts to consolidate or close schools have often been slow, inconsistent, and subject to political delay.  In light of declining enrollment, potential reductions in federal funding, and the State's need for fiscal prudence, a proactive and data-driven process is required to optimize the public school system for the twenty-first century.  The legislature finds that the federal Base Realignment and Closure process provides a proven and effective model for making complex and politically sensitive infrastructure decisions.  By establishing an independent commission and requiring an "all‑or‑nothing" vote on its recommendations, the Base Realignment and Closure model ensures that decisions are guided by objective data and the overall public interest rather than localized political pressures.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary, independent public school realignment and closure commission to review the State's public school facilities and recommend a comprehensive package of consolidations, realignments, or closures for an expedited, up-or-down approval process by the governor and the legislature.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a temporary public school realignment and closure commission to be placed within the department of accounting and general services for administrative purposes only.

     For purposes of this Act, "commission" means the public school realignment and closure commission established by this Act.

     (b)  The commission shall consist of nine members appointed for a term to expire upon the dissolution of the commission as provided in this Act.  The members shall comprise:

     (1)  Three members appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes;

     (2)  Three members appointed by the president of the senate; and

     (3)  Three members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

     (c)  Appointees shall have expertise in one or more of the following fields:  public finance, urban planning, real estate, education administration, or facilities management.  No person who is a current elected official; registered lobbyist; or member or employee of the department of education, board of education, school facilities authority, or school facilities authority board shall be eligible to serve on the commission.

     (d)  The commission shall elect a chairperson from its members.  The members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The department of accounting and general services shall provide to the commission any administrative support it deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the commission.

     (f)  The commission shall:

     (1)  Develop and adopt, after public hearings, a comprehensive and objective set of criteria to be used in evaluating public school facilities for potential consolidation, realignment, or closure.  These criteria shall include:

          (A)  The facility's:

               (i)  Current and projected student enrollment data;

              (ii)  Condition, including any deferred maintenance backlogs or capital improvement needs;

             (iii)  Annual operational costs and cost per pupil; and

              (iv)  Building capacity and utilization rates;

          (B)  The geographic proximity and capacity of other schools in the area;

          (C)  The potential for reuse, sale, or redevelopment of school properties; and

          (D)  Equity considerations, including the impact of a potential consolidation, realignment, or closure on students from disadvantaged communities.

     (2)  Request and receive from the department of education, school facilities authority, and any other state or county agency any data necessary to conduct its evaluation;

     (3)  Conduct a statewide review of public school facilities based on the criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (1); and

     (4)  Prepare and submit to the legislature and governor, no later than October 1, 2027, a final report containing a single, comprehensive list of recommendations for the consolidation, realignment, or closure of specific public schools.  The report shall include a detailed justification for each recommendation based on the adopted criteria and an estimate of the net savings and costs associated with each recommendation.

     (g)  The commission shall be subject to chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (h)  No later than November 15, 2027, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the commission's report in its entirety, without amendment; or

     (2)  Transmit the report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration.

If the governor does not approve or disapprove the report by the deadline, the report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration.

     (i)  If the governor disapproves the report, it shall be returned to the commission with the reasons for disapproval, and the commission may submit a revised report to the governor no later than December 15, 2027.  No later than January 1, 2028, the governor shall:

     (1)  Approve or disapprove the revised report in its entirety, without amendment; or

     (2)  Transmit the revised report, if approved, to the legislature for final consideration.

If the governor does not approve or disapprove the revised report by the deadline, the revised report shall be deemed approved and shall be transmitted to the legislature for final consideration.  If the governor disapproves the revised report, the process shall be terminated, and the commission shall take no further action.

     (j)  If the governor approves the commission's original or revised report, the legislature shall vote on a concurrent resolution during the regular session of 2028 to either approve or disapprove the report in its entirety, without amendment.

     (k)  If a concurrent resolution for approval is adopted by the legislature, or if the legislature fails to adopt a concurrent resolution for disapproval by the adjournment sine die of the regular session of 2028, the recommendations in the report shall be binding and shall be implemented by the board of education and department of education.

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The board of education and department of education shall take all necessary actions to implement the commission's approved recommendations no later than July 1, 2028.

     (b)  Jurisdiction and control over any real property of a school closed pursuant to this Act shall be transferred to the school facilities authority for disposition.  Any proceeds from the sale or lease of the property shall be deposited into the school facilities special fund established under section 302A‑1706, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 5.  The public school realignment and closure commission shall cease to exist on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the public school realignment and closure commission.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Public School Realignment and Closure Commission; Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Education; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and recommend a comprehensive package of school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model.  Requires an expedited approval process by the Governor and Legislature.  Appropriates moneys.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  962-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2344

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2344, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish a temporary, independent Public School Realignment and Closure Commission to develop and submit a report containing a single, comprehensive list of recommended school consolidations, realignments, and closures based on the federal Base Realignment and Closure model;

     (2)  Establish a process by which the Governor, then Legislature may approve or disapprove of the report in its entirety, without amendment; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the operational costs of the Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Education; and Board of Education.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2344, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  490-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2344

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2344 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Establish and appropriate funds for a temporary, independent Public School Realignment And Closure Commission to review the State's public school facilities and recommend a comprehensive package of consolidations, realignments, or closures; and

     (2)  Require an expedited, approval process by the Governor and the Legislature using the recommendations made by the Commission.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO; and United Public Workers, AFSCME Local 646, AFL-CIO.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Board of Education; Department of Education; Department of the Attorney General; Department of Accounting and General Services; and School Facilities Authority.

     Your Committee finds that, while statewide public school enrollment has remained nearly unchanged since 1961, the number of schools has increased by approximately twenty percent.  To meet the demands fueled by enrollment growth, the construction of new campuses were needed.  However, the recent and continuing decline in student numbers has left many facilities underutilized, creating operational inefficiencies and diverting resources that could support student learning or modernize facilities in high-need areas.

     Your Committee notes that because of declining enrollment, potential reductions in federal funding, and the State's need for fiscal prudence, a proactive and data-driven process is required to optimize the public school system for the twenty-first century.  This measure establishes an independent commission to evaluate the future of the State's public school facilities and make recommendations that require an "all‑or‑nothing" vote to ensure that decisions are guided by objective data and the overall public interest, rather than localized political pressures.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring that one of the members of the Public School Realignment and Closure Commission be an educational administrator;

     (2)  Clarifying that the Department of Accounting and General Services shall provide to the Commission any administrative support the Department deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the Commission;

     (3)  Clarifying that the Governor is required to approve or disapprove the Commission's original report or revised report in its entirety, without amendment, and transmit the original report or revised report, if the appropriate report is approved, to the Legislature for final consideration;

     (4)  Deleting language that would have transferred the jurisdiction and control over any real property of a school closed pursuant to this measure to the School Facilities Authority for disposition;

     (5)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (6)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000; and

     (7)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2344, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2344, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,