Hawaii state board of education cites foodservice as "unacceptable"

Feb. 7—The Hawaii state board of education recently conducted an internal audit that says its foodservice program's operations are are functioning at an “unacceptable” level.

“I am ecstatic we’re taking this proactive approach and it is my perception management is embracing the audit and the findings,” Board member Wesley Lo said. “On the other hand, it’s a pretty scathing report.”

The audit identified several areas where board members said savings could be realized — possibly millions of dollars. The report detailed several ares of concern including the fact that ownership of the food purchasing and meal payment collection processes is unclear; there is a lack of oversight, monitoring and accountability of purchases; and there is insufficient controls in the payment collection process.