THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	80
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING REPORTS ON THE FEASIBILITY OF USING EXISTING TELECONFERENCING AND VIDEOCONFERENCING FACILITIES FOR UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII BOARD OF REGENTS AND BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS.

     WHEREAS, during these difficult economic times, the University of Hawaii and the Department of Education must explore ways to reduce their budgets; and

     WHEREAS, all of the campuses of the University of Hawaii System currently have the equipment and facilities to conduct meetings via teleconferencing and videoconferencing; and

     WHEREAS, some of these facilities may be underutilized during non-instructional periods; and

     WHEREAS, several Department of Education district and school sites also have teleconferencing and videoconferencing equipment; and

     WHEREAS, teleconferencing and videoconferencing may allow faculty, students, and community members from other islands to testify, listen to discussions on issues, and participate more easily in meetings; and

     WHEREAS, increased use of teleconferencing and videoconferencing can significantly reduce the amount of time and money, including airfare, lodging, and car rentals, associated with inter-island travel to meetings; and

     WHEREAS, individuals may be more willing to serve on volunteer boards if time away from work and family could be reduced; and

     WHEREAS, problems among some boards in meeting quorum requirements may be reduced if members are able to attend meetings via teleconferencing and videoconferencing; and

     WHEREAS, the Early Learning Council, which has successfully held meetings via videoconferencing or teleconferencing over the past year, is one example of the way an agency may improve cost efficiency through teleconferencing and videoconferencing; and

     WHEREAS, a minimum of one meeting a year could be conducted through modern technology available through the University of Hawaii and the Department of Education; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-sixth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2011, the House of Representatives concurring, that the University of Hawaii and the Department of Education are each requested to report on:

     (1)  Their respective inventory of existing teleconferencing and videoconferencing facilities and equipment; and

     (2)  The feasibility of holding at least one Board of Regents or Board of Education meeting, respectively, via videoconferencing or teleconferencing a year; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the University of Hawaii and the Department of Education are requested to report their respective findings to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2012; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution shall be transmitted to the President of the University of Hawaii System, the Superintendent of Education, the Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, and the Chairperson of the Board of Education.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

University Of Hawaii; Department of Education; Meetings