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SB 2551 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Summary
Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to develop an alternative pathway for a visiting international educator permit aligned to the duration of the educator's J-1 visa program. Repeals 6/30/2031.
Issues: ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates alternative pathway for international educators, facilitating teacher recruitment and addressing staffing shortages, directly supporting educator access and school staffing needs.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill creates pathway for J-1 visa educators to align permits with visa duration, facilitating immigration integration and access to education services.90% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Last action Feb 13, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 02-13-26 1:05PM; CR 229 & Videoconference.
upper
Jan 28, 2026
Committee
Referred to EDU, WAM.
upper
Jan 23, 2026
Introduced
Introduced.
upper
5 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Joy San Buenaventura
Joy San Buenaventura
DDemocratic
HI
2
P
Photo of Kurt Fevella
Kurt Fevella
RRepublican
HI
20
P
Photo of Michelle Kidani
Michelle Kidani
DDemocratic
HI
18
P
Photo of Rachele Lamosao
Rachele Lamosao
DDemocratic
HI
19
P
Photo of Troy Hashimoto
Troy Hashimoto
DDemocratic
HI
5
Co
Photo of Lorraine Inouye
Lorraine Inouye
DDemocratic
HI
1