STAND. COM. REP. NO. 861

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 747

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 747, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish the Audit Office within the Board of Education to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the operations, expenditures, and programs of the Department of Education.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Board of Education.

Your Committee finds that an independent agency of the Department of Education dedicated to conducting financial and performance audits, recommending improvements, and examining records and facilities will help to improve the efficiency of Hawaii's public schools while ensuring accountability.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 747, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair