HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	107
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A FINANCIAL AND PROGRAM AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S HAWAIIAN STUDIES PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, section 4, article X of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii required the State to establish a Hawaiian education program in all public schools; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaiian studies programs in kindergarten through sixth grade help students develop an understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian culture, history, language, values, and practices; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaiian studies programs include a component called kupuna, who are elders or "grandparents" and makua, "parents", who have expertise in Hawaiian cultural heritage and assist classroom teachers in Hawaiian studies instruction; and

WHEREAS, the program curriculum has become outdated and requires renewed support from the Department of Education to maintain its viability; and

     WHEREAS, in response to the outdated curriculum and budget cuts, kupuna and makua have established the organization, Ka Lei Papahi o Kakuhihewa, dedicated to maintaining the integrity of Hawaiian studies programs and ensuring that Hawaiian studies programs remain a permanent part of the Department of Education's curriculum; and

     WHEREAS, kupuna and makua spend a great deal of time preparing lesson plans for classes in Hawaiian studies programs without receiving compensation or reimbursement for classroom supplies purchased with their personal funds; and

     WHEREAS, despite the efforts by kupuna and makua, many public elementary schools have terminated their Hawaiian studies program; and

     WHEREAS, program closure is due in part to budget problems, including the inconsistent use of "A" and "B" budget funds; and

WHEREAS, there is evidence that some schools may be paying kupuna and makua instructors at the educational assistant rate, rather than the part-time teacher rate resulting in kupuna and makua receiving as much as fifty per cent less than they are rightfully entitled to; and

     WHEREAS, a financial and program audit of the Department of Education's Hawaiian studies program would enhance public awareness of the program's budget and spending, thereby increasing transparency and accountability; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, the Senate concurring, that the Auditor is requested to conduct a financial audit of the Department of Education's Hawaiian studies programs, specifically with regard to kupuna, to clarify the numerous inconsistencies in budget and spending; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to review all moneys appropriated and expended for Hawaiian studies programs at both the Department of Education and individual school levels, including "A" funds for salary and "B" funds for all other expenditures; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to cooperate with and assist the Auditor in the performance of this audit; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to conduct a program audit of Hawaiian studies programs to identify any areas of concern regarding program delivery or implementation with specific regard to any inconsistencies in kupuna assignment, teaching schedules, and pay rates; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Auditor is requested to submit a report of any audit findings and recommendations including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Chairperson of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Education, and the Auditor.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Department of Education; Hawaiian Studies Program; Auditor