Society needs its people to develop advanced skills and knowledge in order to produce the complex goods and services that support our standard of living. Likewise, individuals need advanced skills in order to earn the level of income required to consume those goods and services. Acquiring advanced skills and well-paying jobs means that people must assimilate and actively use new information. This is what education is all about. It is no secret that Hawaii's public education system faces challenges in meeting these goals.
Some observers cite the weight of top-down, bureaucratic management as a problem.
Others note the lack of real accountability. The Task Force felt that all of these areas deserve attention. This is where advanced skills are taught. This is where cutting-edge research is performed. While the University of Hawaii enjoys a solid reputation in several fields, government regulations and process sometimes stymie its effectiveness and ability to seize opportunities.