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HRS §37-52.3

Rules for creating and keeping special funds

Special funds can only be created by a law passed by the legislature. When creating or reviewing a special fund, the legislature must check that it serves a real need, has a clear link between who pays and who benefits, is only used when necessary, and can support itself financially.

state agencies

The statute, as written — Criteria for the establishment and continuance of special funds

Special funds shall be established only pursuant to an act of the legislature. The legislature, in establishing or reviewing a special fund to determine whether it should be continued, shall ensure that the special fund: (1) Serves a need, as demonstrated by: (A) The purpose of the program to be supported by the fund; (B) The scope of the program, including financial information on fees to be charged, sources of projected revenue, and costs; and (C) An explanation of why the program cannot be implemented successfully under the general fund appropriation process; (2) Reflects a clear nexus between the benefits sought and charges made upon the program users or beneficiaries or a clear link between the program and the sources of revenue, as opposed to serving primarily as a means to provide the program or users with an automatic means of support that is removed from the normal budget and appropriation process; (3) Provides an appropriate means of financing for the program or activity that is used only when essential to the successful operation of the program or activity; and (4) Demonstrates the capacity to be financially self-sustaining.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.