HI HCR186

Establishes a Joint House-Senate investigating committee pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 21 to investigate the Department of Education's budgeting process, including impacts of the weighted student formula and small schools on budget allocation.

Committee shall consist of at least six members with equal representation from the House of Representatives and Senate, appointed by the Speaker and Senate President.

Committee is granted full investigative powers including subpoena authority, power to hold hearings, administer oaths, employ staff, and use appropriated funds from House and Senate 2013 operating budgets.

Requires ten days' notice to witnesses including hearing date/time, summary of inquiry areas, and principal documents for questioning, with Co-Chairs able to waive notice if witness agrees.

Committee authorized to operate continuously through the interim between 2013 and 2014 Regular Sessions with authority to issue a final report that includes written responses from affected entities and witnesses given at least fourteen days to respond to draft findings.