Hawaii legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Hawaii SB2659: Relating to the Board of Regents.
Status: In committee, February 18, 2026
Prohibits active employees of the University of Hawaii or the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii from serving on the Board of Regents.
What the bill says
A bill for an act relating to the board of regents.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that appointing a university employee to the board of regents may create a conflict of interest, as an employee may have personal or departmental interests that could raise ethical concerns, compromise the impartiality of decisions made by the board of regents, and erode the public's trust in the governance of the university. An employee serving on the board of regents may have, or create the perception of having, divided loyalties and prioritize their department's interests over the broader needs of the university, thus undermining the board's responsibility to act in the best interest of the institution. Furthermore, the dual roles of employee and regent could lead to confusion regarding duties and responsibilities, hindering effective decision-making. The legislature further finds that prohibiting individuals who are employees of the university of Hawaii from serving on the board of regents ensures impartial governance, preserves 2026-0440 SB SMA.docx Page S.B. NO. 26S9 objective decision-making, prevents potential conflicts of interest, and maintains public trust in the university of Hawaii's leadership. The legislature also finds that prohibiting active employees of the university of Hawaii and the research corporation of the university of Hawaii from serving on the board of regents is a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, …
Sponsors
- Donna Kim (D, 14) · primary sponsor
- Samantha DeCorte (R, 22)
- Troy Hashimoto (D, 5)
- Michelle Kidani (D, 18)
- Sharon Moriwaki (D, 12)
- Glenn Wakai (D, 15)
Latest actions
- : Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to JDC.
- : Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2334) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to JDC.
- : The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in EDU were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Kidani, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga, Hashimoto.
- : The committee(s) on EDU has rescheduled its public hearing to 02-13-26 1:05PM; CR 229 & Videoconference.
- : The committee(s) on EDU deleted the measure from the public hearing scheduled on 02-09-26 1:05PM; CR 229 & Videoconference.
- : The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 02-09-26 1:05PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- : Referred to EDU, JDC.
- : Passed First Reading.
- : Introduced.
Votes
- EDU: recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (February 13, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: Report, The Board Of Regents, UH, Prohibition
Common questions
- What is SB2659?
- SB2659 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to the Board of Regents.
- What does SB2659 do?
- In its own words: A bill for an act relating to the board of regents.
- What is the status of SB2659?
- In committee as of February 18, 2026. Latest action: Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to JDC. (February 18, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB2659?
- Donna Kim (D, 14), with 5 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB2659?
- On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2659&year=2026
Source: official Hawaii record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.