Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR132

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

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

SR132 highlights the efficacy of energy savings performance contracting, which has already shown positive results in other state entities, such as the Department of Transportation and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges. The bill suggests that utilizing this innovative financing model could significantly alleviate the maintenance backlog by enabling necessary improvements without the need for upfront capital investment, thus allowing projects to be funded through guaranteed energy savings. This approach aims to foster fiscal accountability while reducing the strain on limited public resources.

Summary

Senate Resolution 132 (SR132) urges the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii at Manoa to adopt energy savings performance contracting as a primary method to tackle deferred maintenance and modernize infrastructure while improving energy efficiency across the state. The state currently confronts challenges related to its aging public infrastructure, with a reported deferred maintenance backlog exceeding $2.4 billion. This financial burden impacts the educational quality and resources available for both students and educators in Hawaii's public school system.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SR132 appears to be supportive among legislators who recognize the potential benefits of energy savings performance contracting. Proponents argue that this strategy can improve facility conditions and support the state's long-term fiscal sustainability. The successful implementation of energy savings performance contract projects in other sectors has likely bolstered confidence in this approach, paving the way for broader adoption across public educational institutions.

Contention

While SR132 advocates for a transition to energy savings performance contracting, it remains to be seen how might such changes be implemented practically and whether additional policies will accompany them to ensure accountability and transparency. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the execution of such contracts and the oversight needed to prevent misuse of funds or mismanagement of projects. The resolution requests a report from the Department of Education and the University of Hawaii detailing planned initiatives, projected savings, and timelines, indicating an emphasis on maintaining oversight of implementations to ensure that projected improvements are realized.

Companion Bills

HI SCR140

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 HCR114

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 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.

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