Senators press University of Hawaiʻi on use of RIM (renew, improve, modernize) funds; ask for annual reporting and reasons for cost overruns

Senate Bill 1624 would limit the use of funds appropriated to renew, improve and modernize (RIM) University of Hawaiʻi facilities to specific capital‑improvement objectives and would require reporting to the Legislature. Senators raised concerns that RIM lump‑sum authority has been used to cover costs on specific CIP projects and called for transparency about when RIM fills budget shortfalls.

Jan Govea, representing the University of Hawaiʻi, said the intent of RIM is to provide flexibility when legislative appropriations fall short of project bids and to allow the university to proceed on prioritized projects. "When we go out to bid, and if there is insufficient funding just to fund the minimum lowest bid, then we... will utilize RIM funding," Govea explained, adding that some projects combine deferred maintenance, modernization and renovation work.

Committee members pressed for an annual accounting of RIM uses, and asked that the university report whether cost overruns were caused by contractor delays, procurement issues or university scheduling decisions. Senators requested a report identifying projects that used RIM funds, the reasons, and whether the funds were for truly emergent needs or for scope growth. The committee recommended technical amendments and directed the university to provide a report 30 days before the Legislature convenes that documents project cost changes and the rationale for RIM use.