HB 2178 Summary

• Abolishes the Board of Education and transfers its powers and duties to the superintendent of education, who will be appointed by the governor instead of elected.

• Repeals Chapter 13 of Hawaii Revised Statutes and multiple related sections governing board appointments, compensation, and operations, saving an estimated $584,735-$774,817 annually in board expenses.

• Changes the superintendent's appointment and removal authority from the Board to the governor, allowing termination with or without cause.

• Removes references to the Board of Education throughout state law regarding campaign finance limits, ethics training requirements, public employee bargaining, and various education-related boards and commissions.

• Takes effect upon approval and ratification of a constitutional amendment abolishing the Board of Education.