Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR111

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
3/31/26  
Refer
3/31/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Refer
4/16/26  
Report Pass
4/22/26  

Caption

Requesting The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Hawaii To Review And Clarify The Roles, Responsibilities, And Functions Of The University Of Hawaii System In Relation To The Responsibilities Of Individual Campuses.

Summary

HCR111 is a nonbinding concurrent resolution that asks the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to review and clarify the respective roles, responsibilities, and functions of the University of Hawaii System and the individual campuses. The resolution is focused on organizational structure and governance, especially the relationship between the Office of the President/system-level administration and campus-level authority. The resolution directs the Board of Regents to consider how the system can better support statewide strategic priorities, improve coordination among campuses, and serve students across the islands. It also asks the board to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, including any proposed legislation, no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session. Because it is a concurrent resolution, it does not itself amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes, but it can lead to future legislative or administrative changes if the board recommends them.

Impact

HCR111 does not directly change state law or create new statutory duties. Its practical effect is to prompt the Board of Regents, which already has exclusive jurisdiction over the University of Hawaii’s internal structure under section 304A-105, HRS, to study and clarify system-versus-campus responsibilities and to report back to lawmakers. Any legal or structural changes would likely come later through board action or proposed legislation.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally favorable and low-conflict support for the resolution. The Senate Education Committee passed the measure unanimously and without amendment, indicating agreement that the University of Hawaii’s governance structure merits review. The bill’s tone is constructive and administrative rather than adversarial, with emphasis on coordination, transparency, and statewide service.

Contention

There is little visible opposition in the available record, but the main issue underlying the resolution is the balance of authority between the University of Hawaii system office and individual campuses. The resolution reflects concern that roles may be unclear or overlapping, which can affect decision-making and coordination. Any future recommendations could become contentious if they alter campus autonomy, centralize authority, or change how resources and responsibilities are distributed across the system.

Companion Bills

HI HR103

Same As Requesting The Board Of Regents Of The University Of Hawaii To Review And Clarify The Roles, Responsibilities, And Functions Of The University Of Hawaii System In Relation To The Responsibilities Of Individual Campuses.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR73

Urging The University Of Hawaii President And Board Of Regents To Establish A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program At The University Of Hawaii Maui Campus.

HI HR66

Urging The University Of Hawaii President And Board Of Regents To Establish A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program At The University Of Hawaii Maui Campus.

HI SR32

Urging The University Of Hawaii President And Board Of Regents To Establish A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program At The University Of Hawaii Maui Campus.

HI HCR124

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI SCR50

Urging The University Of Hawaii President And Board Of Regents To Establish A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program At The University Of Hawaii Maui College.

HI HCR125

Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Prioritize A Capital Improvement Project To Construct "halau O Kawaihuelani".

HI HR120

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI HCR32

Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Conduct A Viability Study Of Nuclear Energy Development In Hawaii.

HI SB1530

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

HI HB442

Relating To The University Of Hawaii.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.