Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.
Summary
SCR142 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting that the Hawaii Office of the Auditor conduct an audit of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Athletics Department’s use and management of its funds. The resolution focuses on how the department spends money, whether actual expenditures align with internal policies and procedures, and how the department is handling its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program.
The measure explains that the athletics department supports student-athletes, staff, travel, training, and educational and mental health services, and that it receives money from private donors, the university, legislative appropriations, and sport-specific distributions. It cites concerns that the department lacks a master plan, lacks a clear NIL strategy, and had a reported $2.1 million deficit in fiscal year 2024. The resolution asks the auditor to evaluate whether the department has a sustainable funding approach and whether its financial management can be improved.
Impact
Because SCR142 is a concurrent resolution rather than a statute, it does not directly amend Hawaii law or create new legal requirements. Instead, it formally requests an audit by the Office of the Auditor and directs that copies be sent to the Auditor and the UH Manoa Director of Athletics. Its practical impact would be to trigger legislative oversight of the athletics department’s finances and NIL program, potentially informing future budget, policy, or administrative changes affecting the University of Hawaii and its athletics operations.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment appears supportive of increased oversight and financial accountability. The resolution passed the Senate Higher Education Committee 3-0 with amendments, indicating unanimous committee support among those voting. The bill text frames the audit as a necessary step to improve efficiency, address deficits, and strengthen the athletics department’s long-term planning and resource management.
Contention
The main points of concern are the athletics department’s reported deficit, the absence of a sustainable funding plan, and uncertainty around the university’s NIL program. Supporters of the resolution appear to view these issues as justification for an independent audit, while any potential opposition would likely center on the burden of scrutiny or concerns about how the department is being managed, though no explicit opposition is reflected in the available vote or transcript record. The resolution also implicitly raises questions about whether current expenditures and programs are aligned with stated policies and priorities.
Same As
Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.