Bill
GM 618
Confirms gubernatorial nominee Jon Arbles to the Hawaii State Board of Public Accountancy for a term through June 30, 2028, enabling continued licensing and regulation of CPAs.
GM 618 — Nomination to the State Board of Public Accountancy
Overview
- Purpose: Transmit for consideration and confirmation the gubernatorial nomination of Jon Arbles to the Hawaii State Board of Public Accountancy, for a term through June 30, 2028.
- Status: Confirmed by the Senate (Ayes 24; Noes 0; Excused 1).
- Classification: Proclamation (gubernatorial nomination/confirmation process).
- Governor: Josh Green, M.D. The nomination letter is dated January 15, 2025.
Nominee and Term
- Nominee: Jon Arbles
- Board: State Board of Public Accountancy
- Term expiration: June 30, 2028
- Role: Member of the regulatory board that oversees licensing and regulation of public accountants in Hawaii (including setting standards, licensure, and related disciplinary and regulatory functions).
Key Provisions and Changes
- The bill does not appear to enact new statutory language or policy changes. Rather, it serves to confirm a gubernatorial appointment to the State Board of Public Accountancy.
- The substantive outcome is the formal confirmation of Jon Arbles as a board member for the specified term, enabling him to participate in board duties and governance.
Affected Parties
- Primary: Jon Arbles (nominee)
- Indirectly affected: Hawaii’s public accountancy licensing community, CPAs, public accounting firms, and consumers relying on state regulatory oversight of the profession.
- The Hawaii State Senate: Responsible for “advise and consent” on gubernatorial nominations; exercised confirmation authority for this seat.
Procedural and Timeline Details
- Introduction and Referral: January 23, 2025 — Referred to Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN).
- Public Hearing: Scheduled for March 21, 2025 (CPN public hearing).
- Committee Action: March 21, 2025 — CPN recommended Advise and Consent (5 Ayes; no negatives; no reservations; no excused).
- Senate Action: April 24–25, 2025 — One-day notice published; final confirmation occurred on April 25, 2025.
- Final Status: Confirmed by the Senate (Ayes 24; Noes 0; Excused 1).
Impact and Implications
- The confirmed appointment ensures continuity in the regulatory governance of public accountancy in Hawaii, with Arbles serving a term ending June 30, 2028.
- Maintains the Board’s authority to license CPAs, oversee professional standards, and regulate practice within the state.
- No new statutory changes are embedded in GM 618; the action is a routine confirmation of a gubernatorial nominee.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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