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HB 548

Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Cheokas and 3 co-sponsors

Bill HB 548 allows the University of Hawaii at Manoa to acquire the Saint Francis School campus, enhancing educational facilities for students and faculty.

Senate Read and Referred
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 548

Summary of Bill HB 548

Title

Relating to the Acquisition of the Saint Francis School Campus for the University of Hawaii at Manoa

Purpose and Intent

Bill HB 548 aims to facilitate the acquisition of the Saint Francis School campus by the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa). The intent of the bill is to enhance educational facilities and resources available to students at UH Manoa, thereby supporting the university's mission to provide quality higher education in Hawaii.

Key Provisions

  • Acquisition of Property: The bill authorizes the University of Hawaii at Manoa to acquire the Saint Francis School campus.
  • Funding Mechanism: It includes provisions for the appropriation of funds necessary for the acquisition, potentially utilizing revenue bonds to finance the purchase.
  • Impact on Educational Infrastructure: The acquisition is expected to expand the university's physical footprint and improve its capacity to serve students.

Affected Parties

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa: The primary beneficiary of the bill, which will gain additional campus space for educational purposes.
  • Students and Faculty: The acquisition is anticipated to enhance the learning environment and resources available to students and faculty at UH Manoa.
  • Saint Francis School: The current institution occupying the campus will be directly affected by the transition of ownership.

Legislative Timeline and Actions

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • First Reading: January 21, 2025
  • Committee Referrals: The bill has been referred to the House committees on Higher Education (HED) and Finance (FIN).
  • Second Reading: Passed on February 12, 2025, with amendments.
  • Third Reading: Passed on February 28, 2025, with some representatives voting no and others excused.
  • Senate Transmission: The bill was transmitted to the Senate after passing the House.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has undergone several readings and committee reviews, with recommendations for passage noted in committee reports.
  • The legislative process includes opportunities for public testimony and discussion during committee hearings, which are conducted via videoconference.

Conclusion

Bill HB 548 represents a significant step towards enhancing the educational infrastructure of the University of Hawaii at Manoa by acquiring the Saint Francis School campus. The bill's progression through the legislative process indicates a commitment to improving educational facilities in Hawaii, with potential long-term benefits for students and faculty alike.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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