HI HR108

Request the Department of Education to provide a comprehensive report on state school facilities deemed vacant and appropriate for use by public charter schools.

Request 14 additional state departments to submit reports on currently occupied facilities, the number of vacant rooms, and facilities appropriate for charter school use by 20 days prior to the 2019 Regular Session.

Cited departments include Human Resources Development, Accounting and General Services, Attorney General, Budget and Finance, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Taxation, University of Hawaii, Health, Human Services, Land and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Business/Economic Development/Tourism, Transportation, Labor and Industrial Relations, and Public Safety.

Background notes that Hawaii charter schools serve 10,900 students across 36 schools with 160% growth since 2001-2002, but charter schools must use per-pupil dollars for rent while Department of Education schools use rent-free state facilities.

Highlight example partnership between Kaimuki High School and charter school SEEQS that generated $150,000 in annual rent savings for the charter school while providing revenue to the traditional public school.