Bill > SB449

This bill establishes a comprehensive School Capital Improvement Project Modernization Initiative within the School Facilities Authority to create a detailed planning database for school facilities in Hawaii. The initiative requires the creation of an annual updated database that includes a comprehensive asset inventory of school properties, a facilities condition index (rating the condition of school facilities every three years), and enrollment-to-capacity ratio data. The database will be organized by legislative district and complex area and made publicly accessible. The School Facilities Authority will use this database to identify and prioritize school facility projects across four key categories: critical infrastructure (such as fire alarms, electrical systems, and structural integrity), expansion (new classrooms or schools), functional adequacy improvements, and compliance with federal and state laws. By August 15 each year, the authority must submit a report to the legislature, governor, board, and superintendent detailing current asset inventory, enrollment data, prioritized project lists, and recommendations for school capacity utilization. The bill also appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the initiative, recognizing that Hawaii's school buildings are an estimated $10.5 billion asset with an average age of 60 years, and that the state has been spending approximately $454 million annually on capital improvements without a data-driven prioritization process.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=449&year=2025