URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO RECOGNIZE ROBOTICS AS AN INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT AND DEDICATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT ROBOTICS PROGRAMS ACROSS THE STATE.

This bill is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize robotics as an interscholastic sport and to allocate state funding to support robotics programs throughout the state. It highlights concerns that recent funding cuts and a lack of consistent resources have caused many school robotics teams to disband, threatening student access to STEM education and competitive opportunities. The resolution requests the Department of Education to conduct an assessment to determine the appropriate fiscal support needed to maintain these programs and directs copies of the resolution to key education officials. As a concurrent resolution, it does not create immediate legal obligations but serves as a formal recommendation to the Department of Education.