SB 2550: School Facilities Authority; School Modernization Initiative; Capital Improvement Project Planning Database
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-27
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-05-01: Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 5:00PM in conference room 229.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill requires the School Facilities Authority to create a statewide school modernization initiative and a public planning database to guide capital projects for public school buildings. The database must list a yearly inventory of school properties, a facilities‑condition rating (updated at least every five years), and enrollment‑to‑capacity data (updated yearly), organized by legislative district; the authority must use this information to classify and prioritize projects (for safety and infrastructure, capacity, program needs, or legal compliance) and provide annual reports and recommendations to state leaders and the board of education.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii schools are physical assets estimated to be valued at approximately $10,500,000,000. The average age of a school building in the State is seventy-two years. Approximately five hundred ninety-four buildings are operating beyond their expected life.
The legislature further finds that the construction climate is historically challenging in the State and has worsened due to unprecedented escalation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislature additionally finds that the amount of money the State spends on school-related construction and the reasons for such spending needs to be transparent and warranted expenditures.
The legislature also finds that for the past twelve years, the State has appropriated an annual average of approximately $454,000,000 for capital improvement projects for the department of education, yet no data-based process for determining how and why projects are funded and prioritized for construction exists.
The legislature further finds that the State needs an industry standard facilities assessment framework and inventory to answer fundamental questions regarding school-related construction in order to be able to efficiently and effectively spend capital improvement program appropriations.
The purpose of this Act is to establish the school modernization initiative to provide a framework as an informed, unbiased process to responsibly address all school facility-related projects in the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VI, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- School capital improvement project planning; legislative districts. (a) The authority shall establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. The planning database shall include, at a minimum:
(1) An asset inventory of school properties, buildings, facilities, and infrastructure, which shall be updated no later than June 30 of each year;
(2) A facilities condition index, which shall provide data and ratings on the condition of all school facilities; provided that the rating of a school facility shall be updated no less than every five years; and
(3) Enrollment-to-capacity ratio data, which shall be updated no later than December 1 of each year.
The information in the planning database shall be organized by legislative district and complex area to allow legislators and stakeholders to assess needs and priorities specific to their communities. The information in the planning database shall also be available to the public through the authority's website.
(b) Using the information from the planning database established pursuant to subsection (a), the authority shall establish a school modernization initiative to identify, assess, and prioritize school facilities projects using a classification system, including school facilities projects for:
(1) Critical infrastructure, such as school facilities projects involving:
(A) Fire alarm systems;
(B) Electrical, sewer, or water capacity;
(C) Roofing or structural integrity;
(D) Air conditioning; or
(E) Other infrastructure necessary for the safe operation of a building;
(2) Addressing capacity, such as school facilities projects for new classrooms, buildings, or schools;
(3) Adding or enhancing functional adequacy, such as school facilities projects that add or enhance school administration, athletics, or other educational programs; and
(4) Compliance with federal and state laws.
(c) No later than August 15 of each year, the authority shall submit a report to the legislature, governor, board of education, and superintendent to assist with statewide planning and decision-making on school facilities projects. The report shall include:
(1) The most current asset inventory and facilities condition index pursuant to subsection (a);
(2) Enrollment-to-capacity ratio data pursuant to subsection (a), by school and geographic area;
(3) Prioritized statewide and geographic area lists of school facilities projects classified pursuant to subsection (b); and
(4) An analysis on school capacity utilization with recommendations for optimizing utilization.
(d) The authority shall report information and analysis from the school modernization initiative to the board of education as necessary, but no less than once a year, to assist the board of education in decision-making on:
(1) Opening new schools or closing existing schools pursuant to section 302A-1129; and
(2) Repurposing schools or unused public school facilities pursuant to section 302A-1151.1.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "school facilities projects" mean existing or proposed capital improvement projects for properties, buildings, facilities, or infrastructure owned by or under the control of the department or the authority."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
School Facilities Authority; School Modernization Initiative; Capital Improvement Project Planning Database
Description:
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. 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. |
2550 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii schools are physical assets estimated to be valued at approximately $10.5 billion. The average age of a school building in the State is seventy-two years. Approximately five hundred ninety-four buildings are operating beyond their expected life.
The legislature finds that the construction climate is historically challenging in the State and has worsened due to unprecedented escalation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislature further finds that the amount of money the State spends on school-related construction and the reasons for such spending needs to be transparent and warranted expenditures.
The legislature also finds that for the past twelve years, the State has appropriated an annual average of approximately $454 million for capital improvement projects for the department of education, yet no data-based process for determining how and why projects are funded and prioritized for construction exists.
The legislature further finds that the State needs an industry standard facilities assessment framework and inventory to answer fundamental questions regarding school-related construction in order to be able to efficiently and effectively spend capital improvement program appropriations.
The purpose of this Act is to establish the school modernization initiative to provide a framework as an informed, unbiased process to responsibly address all school facility-related projects in the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VI, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- School capital improvement project planning; legislative districts. (a) The authority shall establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. The planning database shall include, at a minimum:
(1) An asset inventory of school properties, buildings, facilities, and infrastructure, which shall be updated no later than June 30 of each year;
(2) A facilities condition index, which shall provide data and ratings on the condition of all school facilities; provided that the rating of a school facility shall be updated not less than every five years; and
(3) Enrollment-to-capacity ratio data, which shall be updated no later than December 1 of each year.
The information in the planning database shall be organized by legislative district and complex area to allow legislators and stakeholders to assess needs and priorities specific to their communities. The information in the planning database shall also be available to the public through the authority's website.
(b) Using the information from the planning database established pursuant to subsection (a), the authority shall establish a school modernization initiative to identify, assess, and prioritize school facilities projects using a classification system, including school facilities projects for:
(1) Critical infrastructure, such as school facilities projects involving:
(A) Fire alarm systems;
(B) Electrical, sewer, or water capacity;
(C) Roofing or structural integrity;
(D) Air conditioning; or
(E) Other infrastructure necessary for the safe operation of a building;
(2) Addressing capacity, such as school facilities projects for new classrooms, buildings, or schools;
(3) Adding or enhancing functional adequacy, such as school facilities projects that add or enhance school administration, athletics, or other educational programs; and
(4) Compliance with federal and state laws.
(c) No later than August 15 of each year, the authority shall submit a report to the legislature, governor, board of education, and superintendent to assist with statewide planning and decision-making on school facilities projects. The report shall include:
(1) The most current asset inventory and facilities condition index pursuant to subsection(a);
(2) Enrollment-to-capacity ratio data pursuant to subsection (a), by school and geographic area;
(3) Prioritized statewide and geographic area lists of school facilities projects classified pursuant to subsection (b); and
(4) An analysis on school capacity utilization with recommendations for optimizing utilization.
(d) The authority shall report information and analysis from the school modernization initiative to the board of education as necessary, but not less than once a year, to assist the board of education in decision-making on:
(1) Opening new schools or closing existing schools pursuant to section 302A-1129; and
(2) Repurposing schools or unused public school facilities pursuant to section 302A-1151.1.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "school facilities projects" mean existing or proposed capital improvement projects for properties, buildings, facilities, or infrastructure owned by or under the control of the department or the authority."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the school facilities special fund.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the school facilities special fund the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish the school modernization initiative.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the school facilities authority for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
School Facilities Authority; School Modernization Initiative; Capital Improvement Project Planning Database; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
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. |
2550 |
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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 school modernization.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii schools are physical assets estimated to be valued at approximately $10,500,000,000. The average age of a school building in Hawaii is sixty years. Approximately five hundred ninety-four buildings are operating beyond their expected life.
The legislature finds that the construction climate is historically challenging in Hawaii and has worsened due to unprecedented escalation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislature further finds that the amount of money the State spends on school-related construction and the reasons for such spending needs to be transparent and warranted expenditures.
The legislature also finds that for the past twelve years, the State has appropriated an annual average of approximately $454,000,000 for capital improvement projects for the department of education, yet no data-based process for determining how and why projects are funded and prioritized for construction exists.
The legislature further finds that the State needs an industry standard facilities assessment framework and inventory to answer fundamental questions regarding school-related construction in order to be able to efficiently and effectively spend capital improvement program appropriations.
The purpose of this Act is to establish the school modernization initiative to provide a framework as an informed, unbiased process to responsibly address all school facility-related projects in Hawaii.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part VI, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- School capital improvement project planning; legislative districts. (a) The authority shall establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. The planning database shall include, at a minimum:
(1) An asset inventory of school properties, buildings, facilities, and infrastructure, which shall be updated no later than June 30 of each year;
(2) A facilities condition index, which shall provide data and ratings on the condition of all school facilities, provided that the rating of a school facility shall be updated no less than every three years; and
(3) Enrollment to capacity ratio data, which shall be updated no later than December 1 of each year.
The information in the planning database shall be organized by legislative district and complex area to allow legislators and stakeholders to assess needs and priorities specific to their communities. The information in the planning database shall also be available to the public through the authority's website.
(b) Using the information from the planning database established pursuant to subsection (a), the authority shall establish a school modernization initiative to identify, assess, and prioritize school facilities projects using a classification system, including school facilities projects for:
(1) Critical infrastructure, such as school facilities projects involving:
(A) Fire alarm systems;
(B) Electrical, sewer, or water capacity;
(C) Roofing or structural integrity;
(D) Air conditioning; or
(E) Other infrastructure necessary for the safe operation of a building;
(2) Addressing capacity, such as school facilities projects for new classrooms, buildings, or schools;
(3) Adding or enhancing functional adequacy, such as school facilities projects that add or enhance school administration, athletics, or other educational programs; and
(4) Compliance with federal and state laws.
(c) No later than August 15 of each year, the authority shall submit a report to the legislature, governor, board of education, and superintendent to assist with statewide planning and decision-making on school facilities projects. The report shall include:
(1) The most current asset inventory and facilities condition index, pursuant to subsection(a);
(2) Enrollment to capacity ratio data, pursuant to subsection(a), by school and geographic area;
(3) Prioritized statewide and geographic area lists of school facilities projects classified pursuant to subsection (b); and
(4) An analysis on school capacity utilization with recommendations for optimizing utilization.
(d) The authority shall report information and analysis from the school modernization initiative to the board of education as necessary, but no less than once a year, to assist the board of education in decision-making on:
(1) Opening new schools or closing existing schools, pursuant to section 302A-1129; and
(2) Repurposing schools or unused public school facilities, pursuant to section 302A-1151.1.
(e) For the purposes of this section, "school facilities projects" mean existing or proposed capital improvement projects for properties, buildings, facilities, or infrastructure owned by or under the control of the department or the authority."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the school facilities special fund.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the school facilities special fund the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish the school modernization initiative.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the school facilities authority for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
School Facilities Authority; School Modernization Initiative; Capital Improvement Project Planning Database; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide. Appropriates funds.
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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| May 1, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 5:00PM in conference room 229. |
| May 1, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 4:00PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 1:36PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-30-26 2:45PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-29-26 3:00PM in conference room 229. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 840). |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-28-26 2:55PM; Conference Room 229. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Woodson, Yamashita Co-Chairs; La Chica, Olds, Souza. |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 720). |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Kim Chair; Hashimoto Co-Chair; DeCorte. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 564). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 512). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Perruso voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2009-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 14 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Perruso; 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 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1511-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Evslin, Kapela, Olds, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Amato, Garrett, Kila. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Tuesday, 03-24-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to EDN, FIN, referral sheet 16 |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 64) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Ihara). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-06-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2736) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:57AM; 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 EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2580) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani, Fukunaga. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 02-18-26 1:02PM; CR 229 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to EDU, 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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| 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 EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
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| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
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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| Department of Education | *** Against | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network Speaks! | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| School Facilities Authority | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| The Ava Sofia Foundation dba Autism Moms of Kona | *** Support | Feb 25, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2736
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2550
S.D. 1
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. 2550, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve efficiency and effectiveness of certain capital improvement program expenditures.
Specifically, this measure establishes the school modernization initiative to collect data and identify, assess, and prioritize school facilities projects using a classification system.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the School Facilities Authority, Autism Moms of Kona, Hawaii Children's Action Network Speaks!, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and one individual.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Hawaii Government Employees Association.
Your Committee finds that there is currently no data-based process for determining how and why Department of Education capital improvement projects are funded and prioritized. This measure would address this gap by creating an industry standard facilities assessment framework and inventory that will help the State efficiently and effectively spend capital improvement program appropriations.
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. 2550, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2580
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2550
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2550 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MODERNIZATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Require the School Facilities Authority to establish a school modernization initiative through a capital improvement project planning database for school facilities statewide; and
(2) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi School Facilities Authority, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!, and one individual.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO.
Your Committee finds that although the State has appropriated an annual average of $454 million to the Department of Education for capital improvement projects over the past twelve years, there has been no data-based process to prioritize how and why projects are funded. Fiscally responsible, equitable management of these substantial sums of public funds requires robust data to inform decision-making and project prioritization. Informed expenditure on capital improvement projects will also support student health, safety, attendance, and academic outcomes, which are directly impacted by the physical condition of a school. This measure promotes accountability, educational equity, and safe, sustainable school environments.
Your Committee acknowledges the concerns raised in testimony by the Hawaii School Facilities Authority that requiring the rating of a school facility to be updated not less than every five years, rather than three years, would provide accurate data to inform the facilities condition index while expending fewer resources. Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address this matter.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Requiring the rating of the condition of a school facility to be updated not less than every five years; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
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 S.B. No. 2550, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2550, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,
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________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 2, 2026 | SB2550_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-02-26_.PDF |
| Mar 23, 2026 | SB2550_SD1_TESTIMONY_EDN_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2026 | SB2550_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 18, 2026 | SB2550_TESTIMONY_EDU_02-18-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
44SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
4MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
21MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):