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Committee advances measure limiting active university employees from serving on Board of Regents, with carve-outs discussed
Summary
Senate Bill 1254, which would bar active University of Hawaii employees from serving on the Board of Regents, was advanced by the committee after debate about student regent employment and concerns about potential conflicts; opponents cited that a designated student regent position can require employment by the university.
The Senate Committee on Higher Education advanced Senate Bill 1254 on Feb. 6, a measure that would prohibit active University of Hawaii employees and Research Corporation employees from serving on the Board of Regents. Committee members discussed concerns about student regents, who by statute sometimes hold positions that may be university employment, and considered whether the bill should exempt or otherwise address the student-regent slot.
Opponents testifying included representatives from the Hawaii Government Employees Association (HGEA), which said one student‑designated regent slot can be filled by a student who is also employed by the university; HGEA urged careful drafting so the bill would not inadvertently bar a legally designated student regent. Supporters said the bill would improve governance by reducing conflicts and ensuring regents can act without employment-related influence.
Committee members questioned how many student regents or recent appointees are employed by the university; testimony indicated that graduate student regents are more likely to have university employment while undergraduates are less likely. The committee discussed whether adding more student regent positions or other adjustments could mitigate participation concerns.
The committee advanced the bill to the Judiciary Committee (JDC) with committee-report language reflecting concerns about the student-regent role and recommending further legal review. The chair said the committee would raise the issue in JDC and consider statewide‑concern language if necessary.
Ending: SB 1254 advanced from the committee with committee-report direction to JDC to consider technical fixes and to address student‑regent implications.
