SB 494: Auditor; Charter Schools; State Public Charter School Commission; Financial Audit; Report; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-27
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-30: Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Requires the Department of Budget and Finance, in collaboration with the Auditor, to conduct a financial audit of each charter school operating in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires the Department of Budget and Finance, in collaboration with the Auditor, to conduct a financial audit of each charter school operating in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
494 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) A list of financial expenditures for the past three years;
(2) Financial information concerning faculty; and
(3) The school's cash on hand balance.
(b) The auditor shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.
SECTION 2. No later than one year after the auditor's submission of the report to the legislature under section 1 of this Act, the state public charter school commission shall take action based on the recommendations made by the auditor.
SECTION 3. 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 auditor to complete the financial audit pursuant to section 1 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the auditor for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Auditor; Charter Schools; State Public Charter School Commission; Financial Audit; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
494 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) A list of financial expenditures for the past three years;
(2) Financial information concerning faculty; and
(3) The school's cash on hand balance.
(b) The auditor shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.
SECTION 2. No later than one year after the auditor's submission of the report to the legislature under section 1 of this Act, the state public charter school commission shall take action based on the recommendations made by the auditor.
SECTION 3. 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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the auditor to complete the financial audit pursuant to section 1 of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the auditor for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Auditor; Charter Schools; State Public Charter School Commission; Financial Audit; Report; Appropriations
Description:
Requires the Auditor to conduct a financial audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission. Requires a report to the Legislature. Requires the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (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. |
494 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) A list of financial expenditures for the past three years;
(2) Financial information concerning faculty; and
(3) The school's cash on hand balance.
(b) The department of budget and finance shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of budget and finance to complete the financial audit pursuant to section 1 of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of budget and finance for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
BUF; Auditor; Charter Schools; Financial Audit; Report; Appropriations
Description:
Requires the Department of Budget and Finance, in collaboration with the Auditor, to conduct a financial audit of each charter school operating in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (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. |
494 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to charter schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(1) A list of financial expenditures for the past three years;
(2) Financial information concerning faculty; and
(3) The school's cash on hand balance.
(b) The department of budget and finance shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $250,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of budget and finance to complete the financial audit pursuant to section 1 of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of budget and finance for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
BUF; Auditor; Charter Schools; Financial Audit; Report; Appropriations
Description:
Requires the Department of Budget and Finance, in collaboration with the Auditor, to conduct a financial audit of each charter school operating in the State. Requires a report to the Legislature. 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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| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from LMG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1493-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee on LMG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Quinlan, Ichiyama, Kahaloa, Morikawa; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Matsumoto. |
| Mar 23, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by LMG on Wednesday, 03-25-26 2:00PM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Passed Second Reading and referred to the committee(s) on LMG with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1294-26), recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to LMG. |
| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Evslin, Garrett, Kapela, Kila, Olds, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Amato; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Thursday, 03-19-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on EDN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Tuesday, 03-11-25 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to EDN, LMG, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 164) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | 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. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 920) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Feb 26, 2025 | 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, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 345) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kidani, Kim, Hashimoto, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 4, 2025 | The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 02-07-25 3:08PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to EDU, WAM. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | 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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| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee on LMG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Legislative Management |
Passed |
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| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | 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 7, 2025 | 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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| Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science PCS | *** Against | Mar 11, 2025 |
| State Public Charter School Commission | *** Support | Feb 25, 2025 |
| Waimea Middle PCCS | *** Against | Feb 6, 2025 |
| Waimea Middle School | *** Against | Mar 18, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 920
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 494
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 494, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Budget and Finance, in collaboration with the Auditor, to conduct an audit of the public charter school system.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance, Office of the Auditor, and Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission.
Your Committee finds that the Auditor should be assigned sole responsibility for the audit required by this measure due to the lack of expertise or knowledge in the Department of Budget and Finance to conduct financial audits.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Making the Auditor solely responsible for the audit;
(2) Clarifying that the scope of the financial audits shall include an audit of each charter school under the State Public Charter School Commission;
(3) Requiring the State Public Charter School Commission to take action based on the Auditor's recommendations; and
(4) Changing the amount appropriated to an unspecified amount to facilitate further discussion on the measure.
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. 494, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 494, 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 |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 345
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 494
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 494 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Require the Department of Budget and Finance, in collaboration with the Auditor, to conduct a financial audit of each charter school operating in the State;
(2) Require a report to the Legislature; and
(3) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Public Charter School Commission, Office of the Auditor, Department of Budget and Finance, and Hawaii Public Charter Schools Network.
Your Committee finds that the State's charter schools use public funding to support daily expenses and operational costs. Therefore, ensuring accountability is necessary to effective school operations and high achievement outcomes for students. Accordingly, this measure ensures operational efficiency of charter school operations while providing a high quality education to Hawaii's children.
Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.
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. 494, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 494, 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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________________________________ MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 24, 2026 | SB494_SD2_TESTIMONY_LMG_03-25-26_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2026 | SB494_SD2_TESTIMONY_EDN_03-19-26_.PDF |
| Mar 11, 2025 | SB494_SD2_TESTIMONY_EDN_03-11-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | SB494_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-26-25_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2025 | SB494_TESTIMONY_EDU_02-07-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Legislative Management
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
25SEC
House Standing Committee on Education
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
Bill Author
