HI SB2518

Authorizes the State Public Charter School Commission to assess fees on non-state entities and individuals to help cover its operating costs, with fees deposited into insured accounts and expended by the commission.

Establishes "pre-opening charter schools" as a distinct legal category with requirements for pre-contracting criteria, pre-opening assurances, and restrictions on funding, employment, and performance framework applicability until successful establishment.

Adds the State Public Charter School Commission to the list of "appropriate authorities" under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 89C for purposes of employee compensation adjustments.

Clarifies definitions including "department school" (non-charter public schools), "executive director," "charter contract," and nonprofit organization requirements; removes the separate definition of "charter" and provisions allowing Hawaiian language immersion programs as conversion charter schools.

Makes technical amendments to strengthen charter school governance, authorizer oversight, conflict-of-interest provisions, performance frameworks, and facilities access while maintaining charter school autonomy and flexibility; effective July 1, 2050.