HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-10 Letter to Roy Takumi re HB 872 _-_---44;t
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25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo,Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
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February 10, 2017
Representative Roy Takumi
Education Committee
Hawai'i State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Takumi and members:
RE: HB 872
Thank you for this opportunity to testify in support of HB 872.
As you know, Hawai'i County is home to a large number of charter schools. With
that in mind, the County government has been asked to become an "authorizer" under
Chapter 302D, HRS, and the idea is being given consideration by my administration.
Funding will be a critical issue that must be considered by any authorizer, and
HB 872 would go a long way toward easing concerns in that regard. It seems both fair
and appropriate that charter school funding be apportioned based on student
population.
One question has been raised by our attorneys with respect to the language of
HB 872. Section 302D-1, HRS, defines "authorizer" to mean "an entity established
under this chapter..." Obviously the County is a pre-existing entity. Does that preclude
the County from becoming an "authorizer"? While Section 302D-4 provides that "A
county or state agency may apply to the board, pursuant to this section, for chartering
authority," it is not 100% clear that the benefits and obligations of HB 872 apply to a
county that has been granted chartering authority, since the key provisions of HB 872
refer to "authorizer." If you think this is a valid concern, one remedy might be to broaden
the definition of"authorizer" to include "an entity established under this chapter with
chartering authority or any other entity granted chartering authority, to review charter
applications.
p ly submitted
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Harry Ki
Mayor
County of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer