HI SCR197

Requests the State Auditor to conduct a comprehensive performance and financial audit of the Department of Education's capital improvement project backlog for public school facilities across Hawaii.

Audit scope includes a complete inventory of all backlogged projects, funding appropriated and expended for each project, current project status, and comparison of original versus current cost estimates.

Requires examination of delays, cost overruns, and administrative barriers affecting project delivery, along with projected funding needed to complete each project and eliminate the backlog.

Auditor must provide recommendations to improve capital improvement project planning, budgeting, management, and execution within the Department of Education.

Report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation is due no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2027 convenes.