HI HB1615

Establishes the Hawaii Sunset Advisory Commission with 12 members (4 from Senate, 4 from House, 4 public members appointed by governor) to regularly review state agencies and make recommendations on their continuation, alteration, or consolidation.

Commission reviews agencies on a two-year cycle beginning in 2014 using specific criteria including operational efficiency, mission achievement, overlap with other agencies, complaint handling, rulemaking processes, and compliance with state and federal laws.

Commission has authority to issue subpoenas, access state agency records and documents, hold public hearings, and prepare written reports with legislative recommendations and fiscal impact estimates before each regular legislative session.

Exempts six agencies from review scope: Office of Governor, Legislature, Supreme Court, Employees' Retirement System, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Establishes procedures for agency alteration including continuation through June 30 of following year, lapse of unobligated appropriations, transfer of special funds to general fund, and preservation of bonded indebtedness and contractual obligations.