Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR140

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/20/26  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education And University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Adopt Energy Savings Performance Contracting As A Primary Strategy To Address Deferred Maintenance And Infrastructure Modernization And Improve Energy Efficiency Statewide.

Impact

The adoption of energy savings performance contracting aims to modernize school facilities and reduce long-term operational costs through guaranteed energy savings. By implementing these contracts, the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii can address their deferred maintenance backlog more effectively without needing extensive legislative appropriations. This approach has already been proven successful in other state departments, such as the Department of Transportation, which experienced substantial fiscal savings and operational enhancements from similar initiatives.

Summary

SCR140 urges the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii at Manoa to adopt energy savings performance contracting as a primary strategy to manage deferred maintenance and improve infrastructure efficiency. This resolution addresses the significant challenges Hawaii faces with its aging public infrastructure and a reported deferred maintenance backlog exceeding $2.4 billion in the Department of Education. The resolution seeks innovative financial approaches that ensure improvements can be made without upfront capital investment, ultimately enhancing the quality of learning environments for students across the state.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment surrounding SCR140 appears to be supportive, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of innovating funding mechanisms for infrastructure improvements in education. Stakeholders recognize the increasing pressures of maintaining public resources and the necessity to create a more sustainable and fiscally responsible model for infrastructure upgrades. However, discussions may face scrutiny regarding the implementation process and potential impacts on existing budget allocations for education.

Contention

While the bill encourages collaboration with various state agencies and energy service companies to maximize the benefits of performance contracting, there exists a potential contention regarding the transition process. Critics may argue about the timeline for achieving projected savings and the effectiveness of energy performance contracts in addressing school needs adequately. The resolution concludes by requesting a report from the Department of Education detailing implemented projects, projected savings, and timelines to alleviate the maintenance backlog by the next Legislative session.

Companion Bills

HI SR132

Same As Urging The Department Of Education And University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Adopt Energy Savings Performance Contracting As A Primary Strategy To Address Deferred Maintenance And Infrastructure Modernization And Improve Energy Efficiency Statewide.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR138

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Performance Audit Of The Office Of The Vice President For Academic Strategy Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SCR142

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.

HI SCR117

Urging The Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee To Collaborate With The Department Of Education, Department Of Transportation, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

HI SR155

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Management And Performance Audit Of The Office Of The Vice President For Academic Strategy Of The University Of Hawaii.

HI SR160

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.

HI SCR80

Requesting The Executive Office On Aging To Partner With The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Center On Aging To Establish A Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub To Implement Short-term Strategies Outlined In The 2025 Strengthening Hawaii's Long-term Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan.

HI SR98

Urging The Department Of Education To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation, Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

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 SR63

Requesting The Executive Office On Aging To Partner With The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Center On Aging To Establish A Kupuna Workforce Innovation Hub To Implement Short-term Strategies Outlined In The 2025 Strengthening Hawaii's Long-term Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan.

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.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2895

Task order contracts; website; posting

AZ HB2445

task order contracts; website; posting

CA AB1931

Insurance: home protection companies.

CA AB483

Fixed term installment contracts: early termination fees.

CA AB2187

Public contracts: contracts for services.

CA AB1809

Public contracts: school and community college districts.

CA SB272

San Mateo County Transit District: job order contracting: pilot program.

NJ S3306

Requires notification to members of health club if club is to be sold and health club services contract assigned to new owner.