THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	131
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

URGING STATE DEPARTMENTS AND ATTACHED AGENCIES TO TRAIN THEIR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.

 

 

        WHEREAS, there are over one hundred seventy state boards, councils, authorities, committees, and commissions, hereinafter collectively referred to as "boards and commissions", that are established by the Constitution of Hawaii, state statutes, and executive orders; and

 

        WHEREAS, these boards and commissions are appointed to give citizens a voice in government and provide an opportunity for a cross-section of the State's residents to offer vital input to influence decisions that shape the quality of life for the residents of Hawaii; and

 

        WHEREAS, the members of boards and commissions must quickly become familiar with certain specific laws regarding open meetings, open records, fiduciary duty, and other ethical standards of conduct, in order to ensure the validity of their actions; and

 

        WHEREAS, upon their appointment, members may not possess knowledge of the mission roles, and responsibilities of their board or commission under applicable laws; programs; processes and procedures relevant to the work of the board or commission; and

 

        WHEREAS, the departments and agencies that administratively control or supervise these boards and commissions are the appropriate entities to train and educate members of the board or commission; now, therefore,

 

        BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2021, that the heads of the departments and agencies that administratively control or supervise a board or commission are urged to provide training for all members of their boards and commissions subject to 84-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the training provided should cover the board or commission's mission, roles, and responsibilities under applicable laws; programs; processes and procedures relevant to the work of the board or commission; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the departments and attached agencies should provide the training at least once per calendar year; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each new member of a board or commission should be required to complete the training prior to receiving voting rights; and

 

        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the heads of each executive department of the state.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:  

URGING STATE DEPARTMENTS AND ATTACHED AGENCIES TO TRAIN THEIR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.