Bill > SB2163

This bill aims to enhance the financial accountability of public charter schools in Hawaii by standardizing their annual independent financial audits, making them publicly accessible, and requiring review by the Board of Education, the Public Charter School Authorizer (the entity that grants and oversees charter schools), and the Auditor (the state's independent auditor). If a charter school is deemed at high risk of financial insolvency, the Auditor is authorized to conduct its own financial audit. For the 2026-2027 school year, the Auditor will conduct a one-time financial audit of every charter school, examining their finances for the past three years, and will report findings and recommendations to the Legislature, after which the State Public Charter School Commission must act on these recommendations. The bill also clarifies that failure to comply with audit requirements can lead to sanctions, such as withholding funds or even revocation of the charter. Finally, it appropriates funds for the Auditor to conduct these necessary financial audits.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2163&year=2026