Department of Budget and Finance

The Constitution of the State of Hawaii and the Hawaii Revised Statutes requires the Governor of the State of Hawaii to submit to the Legislature a balanced six-year financial plan and budget at least 30 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session. In transmitting the six-year program and financial plan, the current Governor indicated that significant modifications would be made.

The new administration also indicated that additional time would be necessary to meet its constitutional and statutory obligations. Therefore, the Legislature delayed its normal timeline for budget briefings. On January 14, 2003, the Director of Finance presented a financial plan with "targeted" cost savings and budget cuts. Specific information regarding the magnitude of the budget cuts for each state department was unavailable because the Department was still gathering information.

On January 31, 2003, the Committee on Finance received information regarding specific budget cuts for 11 of the 20 State departments and agencies. There was also an indication that cuts to the remaining departments and agencies, except for the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii system, would be forthcoming. Ms. Kawamura, Director of Finance, has been invited and will present an update of the Administration's modified Financial Plan and Biennium Budget to the House Committee on Finance.

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids or services to participate in the public briefing process (i.e., sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, or parking designated for the disabled) please contact the committee clerk 24 hours prior to the hearing so arrangements can be made.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE COMMITTEE CLERK AT 586-6200.

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Rep. Dwight Y. Takamine