SB1543

SB1543 aims to reduce reliance on external consultants by government agencies in Hawaii.

SB1543 mandates that Hawaii's public agencies justify the hiring of external consultants, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and limit spending on such consultants. The bill requires agencies to demonstrate the lack of in-house capacity or expertise and to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing their use of consultants. It also mandates that the compliance audit unit conduct regular audits of agency consultant contracts to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance. Exceptions are made for highly technical or niche expertise unavailable in the state and for short-term emergency needs.