Bill > SB381

This bill aims to increase transparency in the appointment of heads of state divisions and agencies by mandating that boards establish, approve, and follow a public process and timeline for such selections. Specifically, when a leadership position becomes vacant, the board must use an open meeting to create and approve a selection process and timeline, and any amendments to this process must also be made transparently in an open meeting. The bill further stipulates that any votes to appoint or select a division or agency head must be conducted in a public session, and any appointment made in violation of these requirements will be considered invalid. The legislation is motivated by concerns about potential favoritism, lack of public accountability, and the need to ensure that important governmental leadership decisions are made with input and oversight from the public. By requiring open deliberations and clear, predetermined selection processes, the bill seeks to foster greater public trust in governmental decision-making and ensure that leadership transitions in state agencies are conducted with integrity and public visibility.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=381&year=2026