The Committee on Higher Education and the Arts
And
Committee on Government Operations
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
1:20 pm, Room 414

Attention: Chairs Kai Kahele and Donna Mercado Kim, Vice Chairs Michelle Kidani and Russell Ruderman and Members of the Committee

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly (UHPA) urges the committee to support HB 424, HD1 that reinstates the authority and responsibility for all procurement contracts under chapter 103D, Hawaii revised Statutes, to the University President.

The ability of the University to expedite construction needs for repair and maintenance as well as new construction is essential to enhancing instruction and research. The physical conditions that students and employees experience influence recruitment and retention. For too long the need to remove impediments in procurement has languished resulting in repairs and replacement of buildings being delayed. The University President should have both the authority and the accountability for procurement.

UHPA urges the committee to support HB 424, HD1.                                                                     

Respectfully Submitted,

Kristeen Hanselman
Executive Director