REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION, TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE PRACTICES OF MANAGING HEAT EXPOSURE IN DEPARTMENT AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO PROTECT STUDENTS' HEALTH DURING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.

HCR 186 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Education, with the Department of Health and State Public Charter School Commission, to study how public and charter schools manage heat exposure during outdoor student activities. It directs the study to assess current practices, evaluate using wet-bulb globe temperature measurements (a standard for measuring heat stress), and develop guidelines if current methods are insufficient. The guidelines would cover hydration protocols, staff training for heat illness symptoms, accommodations for students with medical conditions, and acclimatization plans for outdoor activities like sports, recess, and marching band. The study must be completed and submitted to the Legislature by January 2026, with any proposed plan due by January 2027.