HI HB983

Establishes alternative pathways to certified public accountant (CPA) licensure by allowing applicants to choose between completing 30 additional semester hours of study OR completing 12 additional months of professional experience in public accountancy practice.

Requires all CPA applicants to have a baccalaureate degree with at least 18 semester hours of upper division or graduate level accounting or auditing subjects, plus two years of professional experience in public accountancy.

Repeals section 466-5.5 of Hawaii Revised Statutes, consolidating CPA educational requirements into a single statute with the new alternative pathway options.

Permits private or government accounting experience deemed equivalent by the board to substitute for all or part of the required two years of professional experience in public accountancy.

Effective date: July 1, 3000 (apparent typographical error in the bill).