SB 2543: DAGS; DOE; Office of the State Construction Manager; Pilot Program; Design Review Special Fund; Positions; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-02
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-24: Act 135, on 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1236).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill creates a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager to provide centralized design review for DAGS and DOE construction projects that cost $2 million or more and are located in counties with fewer than 500,000 people. The office will review plans, assign inspectors, and place staff in county public works to review and approve permit applications, with DOE able to opt into the pilot for certain complex projects. It sets up a Design Review Special Fund to collect fees and appropriates $3,034,000 to fund one manager and five staff positions for the pilot.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of certain state construction projects that are administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services or Department of Education and located in any county with a population of less than 500,000. Requires the Office to assign employees to the Department of Public Works of each applicable county to review and approve permit applications under the Pilot Program. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Appropriates funds for the Pilot Program and necessary positions. (CD1)
Establishes a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of certain state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the Office to assign employees to the certain county agencies to review and approve permit applications under the Pilot Program. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Appropriates funds for the Pilot Program and necessary positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Establishes a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the Office to assign employees to the certain county agencies to review and approve permit applications under the Pilot Program. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Appropriates funds for the Pilot Program and necessary positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes within the Office of the Comptroller a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program headed by a full-time State Construction Manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the final plans, drawings, specifications, and other documents to be reviewed by the Disability and Communication Access Board for compliance with state accessibility laws. Requires the Office to assign employees to the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu to review and approve permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. Pilot Program sunsets on 6/30/2031. (SD2)
Establishes within the Office of the Comptroller a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program headed by a full-time State Construction Manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the Office to assign employees to the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu to review and approve permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by DAGS and DOE. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. Pilot Program sunsets on 6/30/2031. (SD1)
Establishes the Office of the State Construction Manager within the Department of Accounting and General Services, overseen by the State Construction Manager, to organize, manage, and oversee design review of, and issue design approvals for, state construction projects. Exempts state construction projects from county building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements under certain circumstances, as determined by the State Construction Manager. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund and appropriates funds into and out of the fund.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2543 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the office of the comptroller a five-year office of the state construction manager pilot program, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects pursuant to this section. The state construction manager shall be hired by the comptroller without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and report to the comptroller.
(b) To be eligible to serve in the position of state construction manager, an individual shall have held a valid license under chapter 464, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for at least five years immediately preceding the date of hire.
(c) The state construction manager shall not engage in the private practice of professional construction management or serve in a managing capacity in any private business or enterprise.
(d) The salary of the state construction manager shall be established by the comptroller.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), the office of the state construction manager shall provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects with an estimated design value of $2,000,000 or more that are administered by the department of accounting and general services or the department of education and located in any county with a population of less than five hundred thousand. The office of the state construction manager shall:
(1) Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects, and ensure the final plans, drawings, specifications, and other documents reviewed are submitted to the disability and communication access board for review to ensure compliance with any applicable accessibility laws as required under section 103-50, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that any changes to the final plans, drawings, specifications, or other documents shall require resubmittal to the disability and communication access board for review;
(2) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for state construction projects subject to this section;
(3) Assign an inspector to each eligible state construction project for the purpose of observing the construction work; and
(4) Assign employees to the department of public works of each applicable county who shall have the sole responsibility for reviewing and approving permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services or the department of education in the respective county. The county agencies under this paragraph shall not assign any other work to these employees.
(g) The cost of all design review services performed by the office of the state construction manager for a state agency shall be determined by the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager.
(h) All fees collected pursuant to subsection (g) shall be deposited with the comptroller to the credit of the design review special fund established by subsection (i).
(i) There is established in the state treasury the design review special fund to be administered and expended by the comptroller for the purposes of this Act, into which shall be deposited:
(1) Fees collected for services provided to state agencies pursuant to this section;
(2) Appropriations made by the legislature to the special fund; and
(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.
Moneys remaining on balance in the design review special fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the special fund and shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund until after the dissolution of the office of the state construction manager pilot program.
No funds appropriated to the department of education for operating expenses or capital improvements shall be diverted or used to finance or support the design review special fund.
(j) No later than December 31, 2027, the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement this section.
(k) The office of the state construction manager shall prepare and submit an annual report on the office of the state construction manager pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. The report shall include:
(1) A summary describing the activities of the office of the state construction manager, including but not limited to a list and description of each state construction project that received a design review during the preceding fiscal year;
(2) A financial report on the status of the design review special fund established by subsection (i);
(3) An assessment of whether the pilot program should be extended; and
(4) Other findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.
(l) The office of the state construction manager pilot program shall be dissolved on June 30, 2031.
(m) As used in this section:
"State agency" means the department of accounting and general services and the department of education.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all lands owned by the State through any state agency.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,034,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the implementation of the office of the state construction manager pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this Act, including the establishment of:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) state construction manager position within the office of the comptroller; and
(2) Five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) positions within the office of the state construction manager, including three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) positions to be assigned to applicable county agencies.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
DAGS; DOE; Office of the State Construction Manager; Pilot Program; Design Review Special Fund; Positions; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of certain state construction projects that are administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services or Department of Education and located in any county with a population of less than 500,000. Requires the Office to assign employees to the Department of Public Works of each applicable county to review and approve permit applications under the Pilot Program. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Appropriates funds for the Pilot Program and necessary positions. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2543 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the office of the comptroller a five-year office of the state construction manager pilot program, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects pursuant to this section. The state construction manager shall be hired by the comptroller without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and report to the comptroller.
(b) To be eligible to serve in the position of state construction manager, an individual shall have held a valid license under chapter 464, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for at least five years immediately preceding the date of hire.
(c) The state construction manager shall not engage in the private practice of professional construction management or serve in a managing capacity in any private business or enterprise.
(d) The salary of the state construction manager shall be established by the comptroller.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (f), the office of the state construction manager shall provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects with an estimated design value of $2,000,000 or more administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The office of the state construction manager shall:
(1) Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects, and ensure the final plans, drawings, specifications, and other documents reviewed are submitted to the disability and communication access board for review to ensure compliance with any applicable accessibility laws as required under section 103-50, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that any changes to the final plans, drawings, specifications, or other documents shall require resubmittal to the disability and communication access board for review;
(2) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for state construction projects subject to this section;
(3) Assign an inspector to each eligible state construction project for the purpose of observing the construction work; and
(4) Assign employees to the:
(A) Department of public works of the county of Hawaii;
(B) Department of public works of the county of Kauai;
(C) Department of public works of the county of Maui; and
(D) Department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu,
who shall have the sole responsibility of reviewing and approving permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The county agencies under this paragraph shall not assign any other work to these employees.
(g) The cost of all design review services performed by the office of the state construction manager for a state agency shall be determined by the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager.
(h) All expenses collected pursuant to subsection (g) shall be deposited with the comptroller to the credit of the design review special fund established by subsection (i).
(i) There is established in the state treasury the design review special fund to be administered and expended by the comptroller for the purposes of this Act, into which shall be deposited:
(1) Fees collected for services provided to state agencies pursuant to this section;
(2) Appropriations made by the legislature to the special fund; and
(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.
Moneys remaining on balance in the design review special fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the special fund and shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund until after the dissolution of the office of the state construction manager pilot program.
No funds appropriated to the department of education for operating expenses or capital improvements shall be diverted or used to finance or support the design review special fund.
(j) No later than December 31, 2027, the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement this section.
(k) The office of the state construction manager shall prepare and submit an annual report on the office of the state construction manager pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. The report shall include:
(1) A summary describing the activities of the office of the state construction manager, including but not limited to a list and description of each state construction project that received a design review during the preceding fiscal year;
(2) A financial report on the status of the design review special fund established by subsection (i);
(3) An assessment of whether the pilot program should be extended; and
(4) Other findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.
(l) The office of the state construction manager pilot program shall be dissolved on June 30, 2031.
(m) As used in this section:
"State agency" means the department of accounting and general services and the department of education.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all lands owned by the State through any state agency.
SECTION 2. 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 implementation of the office of the state construction manager pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this Act, including the establishment of:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) state construction manager position within the office of the comptroller; and
(2) full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions within the office of the state construction manager, including full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions to be assigned to the:
(A) Department of public works of the county of Hawaii;
(B) Department of public works of the county of Kauai;
(C) Department of public works of the county of Maui; and
(D) Department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DAGS; DOE; Office of the State Construction Manager; Pilot Program; Design Review Special Fund; Positions; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of certain state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the Office to assign employees to the certain county agencies to review and approve permit applications under the Pilot Program. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Appropriates funds for the Pilot Program and necessary positions. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2543 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the office of the comptroller a five-year office of the state construction manager pilot program, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects pursuant to this section. The state construction manager shall be hired by the comptroller without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and report to the comptroller.
(b) To be eligible to serve in the position of state construction manager, an individual shall have held a valid license under chapter 464, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for at least five years immediately preceding the date of hire.
(c) The state construction manager shall not engage in the private practice of professional construction management or serve in a managing capacity in any private business or enterprise.
(d) The salary of the state construction manager shall be established by the comptroller.
(e) The office of the state construction manager shall provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The office of the state construction manager shall:
(1) Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects, and ensure the final plans, drawings, specifications, and other documents reviewed are submitted to the disability and communication access board for review to ensure compliance with any applicable accessibility laws as required under section 103-50, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that any changes to the final plans, drawings, specifications, or other documents shall require resubmittal to the disability and communication access board for review;
(2) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for state construction projects;
(3) Assign an inspector to each state construction project for the purpose of observing the construction work; and
(4) Assign employees to the:
(A) Department of public works of the county of Hawaii;
(B) Department of public works of the county of Kauai;
(C) Department of public works of the county of Maui; and
(D) Department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu,
who shall have the sole responsibility of reviewing and approving permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The county agencies under this paragraph shall not assign any other work to these employees.
(f) The cost of all design review services performed by the office of the state construction manager for a state agency shall be determined by the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager.
(g) All fees collected pursuant to subsection (f) shall be deposited with the comptroller to the credit of the design review special fund established by subsection (h).
(h) There is established in the state treasury the design review special fund to be administered and expended by the comptroller for the purposes of this Act, into which shall be deposited:
(1) Fees collected for services provided to state agencies pursuant to this section;
(2) Appropriations made by the legislature to the special fund; and
(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.
Moneys remaining on balance in the design review special fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the special fund and shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund until after the dissolution of the office of the state construction manager pilot program.
(i) No later than December 31, 2027, the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section.
(j) The office of the state construction manager shall prepare and submit an annual report on the office of the state construction manager pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. The report shall include:
(1) A summary describing the activities of the office of the state construction manager, including but not limited to a list and description of each state construction project that received a design review during the preceding fiscal year;
(2) A financial report on the status of the design review special fund established by subsection (h);
(3) An assessment of whether the pilot program should be extended; and
(4) Other findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.
(k) The office of the state construction manager pilot program shall be dissolved on June 30, 2031.
(l) For the purposes of this section:
"State agency" means the department of accounting and general services and the department of education.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all lands owned by the State through any state agency.
SECTION 2. 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 implementation of the office of the state construction manager pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this Act, including the establishment of:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) state construction manager position within the office of the comptroller; and
(2) full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions within the office of the state construction manager, including full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions to be assigned to the:
(A) Department of public works of the county of Hawaii;
(B) Department of public works of the county of Kauai;
(C) Department of public works of the county of Maui; and
(D) Department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DAGS; DOE; Office of the State Construction Manager; Pilot Program; Design Review Special Fund; Positions; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the Office to assign employees to the certain county agencies to review and approve permit applications under the Pilot Program. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Appropriates funds for the Pilot Program and necessary positions. 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.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2543 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the office of the comptroller a five-year office of the state construction manager pilot program, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects pursuant to this section. The state construction manager shall be hired by the comptroller without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and report to the comptroller.
(b) To be eligible to serve in the position of state construction manager, an individual shall have held a valid license under chapter 464, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for at least five years immediately preceding the date of hire.
(c) The state construction manager shall not engage in the private practice of professional construction management or serve in a managing capacity in any private business or enterprise.
(d) The salary of the state construction manager shall be established by the comptroller.
(e) The office of the state construction manager shall provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The office of the state construction manager shall:
(1) Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects, and ensure the final plans, drawings, specifications, and other documents reviewed are submitted to the disability and communication access board for review to ensure compliance with any applicable accessibility laws as required under section 103-50, Hawaii Revised Statutes; provided that any changes to the final plans, drawings, specifications, or other documents shall require resubmittal to the disability and communication access board for review;
(2) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for the state construction projects;
(3) Assign an inspector to each state construction project for the purpose of observing the construction work; and
(4) Assign employees to the department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu, who shall have the sole responsibility of reviewing and approving permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The department of planning and permitting shall not assign any other work to these employees.
(f) The state construction manager may employ staff, including qualified architects and engineers as necessary, without regard to chapter 76, to carry out the duties and responsibilities established by this Act.
(g) The cost of all design review services performed by the office of the state construction manager for a state agency shall be determined by the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager.
(h) All fees collected pursuant to subsection (g) shall be deposited with the comptroller to the credit of the design review special fund established by subsection (i).
(i) There is established in the state treasury the design review special fund to be administered and expended by the comptroller for the purposes of this Act, into which shall be deposited:
(1) Fees collected for services provided to state agencies pursuant to this section;
(2) Appropriations made by the legislature to the special fund; and
(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.
Moneys remaining on balance in the design review special fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the special fund and shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund until after the dissolution of the office of the state construction manager pilot program.
(j) No later than December 31, 2027, the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section.
(k) The state construction manager shall prepare and submit an annual report on the office of the state construction manager pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. The report shall include:
(1) A summary describing the activities of the office of the state construction manager, including but not limited to a list and description of each state construction project that received a design review during the preceding fiscal year;
(2) A financial report on the status of the design review special fund established by subsection (i);
(3) An assessment of whether the pilot program should be extended; and
(4) Other findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.
(l) The state construction manager pilot program shall be dissolved on June 30, 2031.
(m) For the purposes of this section:
"State agency" means the department of accounting and general services and the department of education.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all lands owned by the State through any state agency.
SECTION 2. 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 implementation of the office of the state construction manager pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this Act, including the establishment of:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) state construction manager position within the office of the comptroller; and
(2) full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions within the office of the state construction manager, including full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions to be assigned to the department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2525.
Report Title:
DCAB; DAGS; DOE; Office of the Comptroller; State Construction Projects; Office of the State Construction Manager; Pilot Program; Design Review; Design Review Special Fund; Positions; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes within the Office of the Comptroller a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program headed by a full-time State Construction Manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the final plans, drawings, specifications, and other documents to be reviewed by the Disability and Communication Access Board for compliance with state accessibility laws. Requires the Office to assign employees to the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu to review and approve permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. Pilot Program sunsets on 6/30/2031. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2543 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) There is established within the office of the comptroller a five-year office of the state construction manager pilot program, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects pursuant to this section. The state construction manager shall be hired by the comptroller without regard to chapter 76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and report to the comptroller.
(b) To be eligible to serve in the position of state construction manager, an individual shall have held a valid license under chapter 464, Hawaii Revised Statutes, for at least five years immediately preceding the date of hire.
(c) The state construction manager shall not engage in the private practice of professional construction management or serve in a managing capacity in any private business or enterprise.
(d) The salary of the state construction manager shall be established by the comptroller.
(e) The office of the state construction manager shall provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The office of the state construction manager shall:
(1) Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects;
(2) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for the state construction projects;
(3) Assign an inspector to each state construction project for the purpose of observing the construction work; and
(4) Assign employees to the department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu, who shall have the sole responsibility of reviewing and approving permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by the department of accounting and general services and the department of education. The department of planning and permitting shall not assign any other work to these employees.
(f) The state construction manager may employ staff, including qualified architects and engineers as necessary, without regard to chapter 76, to carry out the duties and responsibilities established by this part.
(g) The cost of all design review services performed by the office of the state construction manager for a state agency shall be determined by the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager.
(h) All fees collected pursuant to subsection (g) shall be deposited with the comptroller to the credit of the design review special fund established by subsection (i).
(i) There is established in the state treasury the design review special fund to be administered and expended by the comptroller for the purposes of this Act, into which shall be deposited:
(1) Fees collected for services provided to state agencies pursuant to this section;
(2) Appropriations made by the legislature to the special fund; and
(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.
Moneys remaining on balance in the design review special fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the special fund and shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund until after the dissolution of the office of the state construction manager pilot program.
(j) No later than December 31, 2027, the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section.
(k) The state construction manager shall prepare and submit an annual report on the office of the state construction manager pilot program to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. The report shall include:
(1) A summary describing the activities of the office of the state construction manager, including but not limited to a list and description of each state construction project that received a design review during the preceding fiscal year;
(2) A financial report on the status of the design review special fund established by subsection (i);
(3) An assessment of whether the pilot program should be extended; and
(4) Other findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.
(l) The state construction manager pilot program shall be dissolved on June 30, 2031.
(m) For the purposes of this section:
"State agency" means the department of accounting and general services and the department of education.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all lands owned by the State through any state agency.
SECTION 2. 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 implementation of the office of the state construction manager pilot program established pursuant to section 1 of this Act, including the establishment of:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) state construction manager position within the office of the comptroller; and
(2) full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions within the office of the state construction manager, including full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions to be assigned to the department of planning and permitting of the city and county of Honolulu.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2525.
Report Title:
DAGS; DOE; Office of the Comptroller; State Construction Projects; Office of the State Construction Manager; Pilot Program; Design Review; Design Review Special Fund; Positions; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes within the Office of the Comptroller a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program headed by a full-time State Construction Manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education. Requires the Office to assign employees to the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu to review and approve permit applications submitted for state construction projects administered by DAGS and DOE. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. Pilot Program sunsets on 6/30/2031. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2543 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to state construction projects.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I
SECTION 1. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"Chapter
STATE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
§ -1 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
"State agency" means any office, department, board, commission, bureau, division, public corporation, agency, or instrumentality of the State.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all lands owned by the State through any state agency.
§ -2 State construction manager; office established; appointment, tenure, removal; requirements; salary. (a) There is established within the department of accounting and general services the office of the state construction manager, which shall be headed by a full-time state construction manager to organize, manage, and oversee the design review of all state construction projects and issue design approvals before any state construction project commences. The state construction manager shall be appointed by the governor pursuant to section 26-34. The state construction manager shall report to the comptroller.
(b) To be eligible to serve in the position of state construction manager, an individual shall have held a valid license under chapter 464 for at least five years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(c) The state construction manager shall not engage in the private practice of professional construction management or serve in a managing capacity in any private business or enterprise.
(d) The salary of the state construction manager shall be established by the governor.
§ -3 Duties and responsibilities. (a) The state construction manager shall have general charge and oversight of the design review of all state construction projects. The state construction manager shall:
(1) Review all plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents necessary for state construction projects;
(2) Ensure conformance with all building codes or county, national, or international prescriptive construction standards, including construction, electrical, energy-conservation, plumbing, and sidewalk standards, as applicable;
(3) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for state construction projects and issue design approvals; and
(4) Assign an inspector to each state construction project for the purpose of observing the construction work.
§ -4 Assistance and staff. The state construction manager may employ or contract with qualified architects and engineers as necessary, without regard to chapter 76, to carry out the duties and responsibilities established by this chapter.
§ -5 Costs for services; fees. (a) The cost of all design review services performed by the office of the state construction manager for a state agency shall be determined by the state construction manager.
(b) The state construction manager may set, charge, and collect reasonable fees, without regard to chapter 91, in an amount sufficient to defray the cost of processing design approvals.
(c) All fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited with the state construction manager to the credit of the design review special fund established by section -6.
-6 Design review special fund. (a) There is established in the state treasury the design review special fund to be administered and expended by the state construction manager for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) The following shall be deposited into the design review special fund:
(1) Fees collected for services provided to state agencies pursuant to this chapter and rules adopted pursuant to this chapter;
(2) Appropriations made by the legislature to the special fund; and
(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the special fund.
(c) Moneys remaining on balance in the design review special fund at the close of each fiscal year shall remain in the special fund and shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund.
§ -7 Administrative rules. No later than December 31, 2027, the comptroller, in consultation with the state construction manager, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this chapter.
§ -8 Annual report. (a) The state construction manager shall prepare and submit an annual report to the governor and legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.
(b) The report shall include:
(1) A summary describing the activities of the office of the state construction manager, including but not limited to a list and description of each state construction project that received a design approval during the preceding fiscal year; and
(2) A financial report on the status of the design review special fund established by section -6."
SECTION 2. Section 26-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) The department shall:
(1) Preaudit and conduct after-the-fact audits of the financial accounts of all state departments to determine the legality of expenditures and the accuracy of accounts;
(2) Report to the governor and to each regular session of the legislature as to the finances of each department of the State;
(3) Administer the state risk management program;
(4) Establish and manage motor pools;
(5) Manage the preservation and disposal of all records of the State;
(6) Undertake the program of centralized engineering and office leasing services, including operation and maintenance and lease buyback processing pursuant to subsection (d) of public buildings, for departments of the State;
(7) Undertake the functions of the state surveyor;
(8) Establish accounting and internal control systems;
(9) Have the discretion to employ persons within the comptroller's office who shall be exempt from chapters 76 and 89 in support of communications, change management, and business process improvement programs as part of the State's information technology modernization efforts; provided that the persons shall be members of the state employees' retirement system and shall be eligible to receive the benefits of any state employee benefit program generally applicable to officers and employees of the State;
(10) Provide centralized computer information management and processing services through the chief information officer;
(11) Establish a program to provide a means for public access to public information and develop an information network for state government;
(12) Assume administrative responsibility for the
office of information practices; [and]
(13) Approve state fleet acquisitions; provided that:
(A) Beginning January 1, 2022, all new light-duty motor vehicles that are passenger cars purchased for the State's fleet shall be zero-emission vehicles;
(B) Beginning as soon as practicable but no later than January 1, 2030, all new light-duty motor vehicles that are multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks for the State's fleet shall be zero-emission vehicles; and
(C) The comptroller
may authorize an exemption for new fleet vehicle purchases if zero-emission
vehicles are demonstrated to be cost-prohibitive on a lifecycle basis or
unsuitable for the vehicles' planned purpose, or if funds are unavailable[.];
and
(14) Provide exclusive centralized design review services for state construction projects and issue design approvals through the state construction manager.
For the purposes of this subsection:
"Light-duty motor vehicle" has the same meaning as defined in title 10 Code of Federal Regulations part 490.
"Multipurpose passenger vehicle" has the same meaning as defined in title 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.3.
"Passenger car" has the same meaning as defined in title 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.3.
"Truck" has the same meaning as defined in title 49 Code of Federal Regulations section 571.3.
"Zero-emission vehicle" has the same meaning as specified in title 40 Code of Federal Regulations section 88.1."
PART II
SECTION 3. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§46- County building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements; exemption; state construction projects. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, state construction projects shall be exempt from county building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements if the projects comply with applicable building codes or county, national, or international prescriptive construction standards, including construction, electrical, energy-conservation, plumbing, and sidewalk standards, as applicable, as determined by the state construction manager pursuant to chapter .
(b) Nothing in this section shall relieve any state construction project from the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of the State or a county, or any departments, boards, or other agencies thereof, with respect to:
(1) The construction, operation, and maintenance of the state construction project;
(2) Compliance with master plans or zoning laws or regulations; and
(3) Compliance with building and health codes and other laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations of a similar nature applicable to the state construction project.
(c) As used in this section:
"State agency" means any office, department, board, commission, bureau, division, public corporation, agency, or instrumentality of the State.
"State construction project" means any undertaking of work or improvement of state lands, or any interest therein, developed, acquired, constructed, reconstructed, rehabilitated, improved, altered, or repaired by a state agency.
"State lands" means all land owned by the State through any state agency."
PART III
SECTION 4. 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 to be deposited into the design review special fund established by section -6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the design review special fund established by section -6, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish:
(1) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) state construction manager position; and
(2) full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions within the office of the state construction manager.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.
PART IV
SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
State Construction Projects; Department of Accounting and General Services; State Construction Manager; Special Fund; County Permitting; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the Office of the State Construction Manager within the Department of Accounting and General Services, overseen by the State Construction Manager, to organize, manage, and oversee design review of, and issue design approvals for, state construction projects. Exempts state construction projects from county building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements under certain circumstances, as determined by the State Construction Manager. Establishes the Design Review Special Fund and appropriates funds into and out of the fund.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Jun 24, 2026 | Act 135, on 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1236). |
| Jun 24, 2026 | Act 135, 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1236). |
| May 8, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with Representative(s) Iwamoto voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Hartsfield, Kusch, Pierick voting no (4) and Representative(s) Alcos excused (1). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 231-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 231-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Wakai, Elefante, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Sayama, Hashem, Lee, M., Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| May 1, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 3:50 PM; Conference Room 329. |
| May 1, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 12:55 PM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 05-01-26 10:20AM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-30-26 10:00AM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-29-26 10:30AM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-28-26 10:30AM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-27-26 10:30AM; Conference Room 016. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 742). |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: McKelvey Chair; Wakai, Elefante Co-Chairs; Awa. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 811). |
| Apr 22, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Sayama, Hashem, Lee, M. Co-Chairs; Matsumoto. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 670). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Iwamoto, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick voting no (2) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Deferred one day 04-14-26. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2061-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Hartsfield, Perruso, Alcos; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Morikawa. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 04-07-26 10:10AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 04-07-26. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 04-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Garcia voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1525-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Ichiyama, Poepoe, Woodson, Souza; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Iwamoto, Shimizu; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 03-24-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on WAL with Representative(s) Cochran voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Reported from LAB (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1255-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to WAL. |
| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Sayama, Lee, M., Garrett, Kapela, Kong, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by LAB on Thursday, 03-19-26 9:35AM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to LAB, WAL, FIN, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 258) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2786) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-02-26 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:55AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | Reported from GVO/EIG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2593) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, Richards, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in GVO were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Gabbard, Hashimoto, Moriwaki, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO/EIG has scheduled a public hearing on 02-10-26 3:05PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to GVO/EIG, WAM. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
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| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on LAB recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Labor |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Passed |
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| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Government Operations |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| AFL-CIO | ** Against | |
| Disability and Communication Access Board | *** Support | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Hawaii Building & Construction Trades Council | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Hawaii Government Employees Association | ** Against | |
| Hawaii Government Employees Association (AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO) | *** Against | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Hawaii Iron Worker's Stabilization Fund | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 3 | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Iron Workers Stabilization Fund | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| MK Advocacy Group, LLC | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| OCG LLC (Onipaʻa Consulting Group) | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Onipaʻa Consulting Group (OCG LLC) | *** Support | Feb 10, 2026 |
| Onipa’a Consulting Group (OCG LLC) | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2786
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2543
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2543, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve consistency and accountability in state construction projects.
Specifically, this measure:
(1) Establishes within the Office of the Comptroller a five‑year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program, to be headed by a full-time state construction manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education;
(2) Establishes the design review special fund; and
(3) Appropriates moneys to implement the pilot program and establish positions.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 3, Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund, and two individuals.
Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association and one individual.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services.
Your Committee finds that creating the Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program to oversee state construction projects will establish a centralized point of management and accountability over scheduling, sequencing, constructability, and coordination among agencies, designers, and contractors. This centralized management can reduce waste by minimizing change orders, work stoppages, and rework caused by miscommunication or poor sequencing, thereby ensuring that public funds are used efficiently.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Requiring the Office of the State Construction Manager to ensure that final plans, drawings, specifications, and any other documents are submitted to the Disability and Communication Access Board for review to ensure compliance with applicable accessibility laws, and requiring resubmission of final plans, drawings, specifications, or other documents to the Disability and Communication Access Board for review if those documents are changed; and
(2) Making a technical nonsubstantive change for the purpose of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2543, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2543, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2593
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2543
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Government Operations and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2543 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO STATE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Establish the Office of the State Construction Manager within the Department of Accounting and General Services, overseen by the State Construction Manager, to organize, manage, and oversee design review of, and issue design approvals for, state construction projects;
(2) Exempt state construction projects from county building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy requirements under certain circumstances, as determined by the State Construction Manager;
(3) Establish the Design Review Special Fund; and
(4) Appropriate funds into and out of the Design Review Special Fund to establish the position of the State Construction Manager and other positions within the Office of the State Construction Manager.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Iron Workers Stabilization Fund and three individuals.
Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO.
Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Land and Natural Resources; University of Hawaiʻi System; and American Institute of Architects, Hawaiʻi State Council.
Your Committees find that the State's public construction projects have consistently experienced delays, cost overruns, and change orders resulting from fragmented oversight. Your Committees believe a centralized oversight framework led by a centralized State Construction Manager with professional experience in public construction would bring the efficiency, planning, and stewardship necessary to translate precious public funding into well-built public infrastructure. This measure is a commonsense reform that will reduce waste, support quality workmanship, and improve the timeliness and efficiency of state construction projects.
Your Committees acknowledge the recommendations in the testimony from the Department of Accounting and General Services regarding the establishment and governance of the Office of the State Construction Manager, including initially establishing the Office of the State Construction Manager as a five-year pilot program within the Office of the Comptroller. Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to incorporate these recommendations.
Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting its contents and inserting language that:
(A) Establishes within the Office of the Comptroller a five-year Office of the State Construction Manager Pilot Program headed by a full-time State Construction Manager, to provide guidance and recommendations on the design review of state construction projects administered by the Department of Accounting and General Services and Department of Education;
(B) Establishes the Design Review Special Fund;
(C) Requires the Comptroller, in consultation with the State Construction Manager, to adopt rules to implement this measure no later than December 31, 2027;
(D) Requires the Comptroller to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature before the Regular Sessions of 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031; and
(E) Requires the Office of the State Construction Manager to dissolve on June 30, 2031;
(2) Appropriating an unspecified amount of funds to establish:
(A) One full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) State Construction Manager position within the Office of the Comptroller; and
(B) An unspecified number of full-time equivalent within the Office of the State Construction Manager, including an unspecified number of full-time equivalent positions to be assigned to the Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu;
(3) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2525, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Government Operations and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2543, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2543, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Government Operations and Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,
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________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair |
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________________________________ ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 2, 2026 | SB2543_HD2_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-02-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | SB2543_HD1_TESTIMONY_WAL_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2026 | SB2543_SD2_TESTIMONY_LAB_03-19-26_.PDF |
| Feb 27, 2026 | SB2543_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 10, 2026 | SB2543_TESTIMONY_GVO-EIG_02-10-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
8MIN
Conference Committee
54SEC
Conference Committee
52SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
22SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
Bill Author
