Middling Grade For Gov’t Spend Data

Hawaii gets a C when it comes to transparency of online information, showing that we have “a way to go” to meet high national standards.

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A seventh annual report on government spending transparency places Hawaii in the middle of the pack.

Hawaii received a C, according to Following the Money 2016, subtitled “How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data.”

The report is from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, which believes that it is important for citizens to be informed about where their tax money is going.

“States like Hawaii still have a way to go to meet the high national standards for state spending transparency,” said Michelle Surka, program associate with U.S. PIRG Education Fund, in a press release.

Following the Money 2016: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data

The report is based on an inventory of “the content and ease-of-use” of states’ transparency websites.

The states with the most comprehensive transparency websites are Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Oregon and Connecticut, which garnered grades of A+.

California, Idaho and Alaska received grades of F.

Hawaii’s transparency website is operated by the State Procurement Office, part of the Department of Accounting and General Services.

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