HI HB539

Establishes an athletics department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa governed by a seven-member board of governors reporting to the University of Hawaii board of regents.

Board of governors composition includes three members appointed by the UH board of regents chair, one member with financial management experience appointed by the governor (five-year term), one coach from the athletics department, one member appointed by the speaker of the house, and one member appointed by the president of the senate.

Transfers administration of the University of Hawaii at Manoa intercollegiale athletics special fund from the university to the board of governors, while the University of Hawaii at Hilo fund remains under university administration.

Board of governors authorized to appoint, retain, and terminate the athletics director and maintain financial integrity of the special fund including reserves for revenue fluctuations.

Board must submit annual financial and management report to the UH board of regents, governor, and legislature at least twenty days before each regular legislative session; effective July 1, 2015.