HI SB286

Establishes the Office of the State Inspector General within the Department of Accounting and General Services, headed by a State Inspector General appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation for a five-year term.

Grants the Inspector General authority to investigate complaints of fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption by state agencies, quasi-public agencies, and their officers or employees, with discretion to determine reasonable cause and refer complaints to other authorities.

Requires the Inspector General to conduct performance reviews of state agencies, prepare detailed investigation reports, coordinate internal audit programs, and provide timely notification to the attorney general and law enforcement when criminal violations are suspected.

Authorizes the Inspector General to subpoena witnesses and documents, enter agency premises without announcement, and compels state agencies and quasi-public agencies to cooperate with investigations and provide access to records and personnel.

Amends whistleblower protections under HRS §378-62 to protect employees reporting fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption to the State Inspector General, and grants the Inspector General access to criminal history record information; appropriates funds for fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017.