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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 183: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport, which would grant high school cheer athletes equal athletic opportunities and access to resources like certified coaching and safety oversight. The bill directs the Department of Education to develop guidelines and safety standards in collaboration with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to meet federal Title IX criteria for classifying cheerleading as an interscholastic sport. This resolution applies specifically to high school competitive cheerleading programs in Hawaii and aims to align the state's policies with federal requirements for gender equity in athletics.
Rachele Lamosao (D) Troy Hashimoto (D) Carol Fukunaga (D) Michelle Kidani (D) Lorraine Inouye (D) · 1 co-sponsor
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 46: ESTABLISHING A SISTER-STATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE OF HAWAII, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND THE PREFECTURE OF OKAYAMA, JAPAN.

This bill establishes an official sister-state relationship between Hawaii and Okayama Prefecture in Japan, formalizing existing cultural and historical ties between the two regions. The resolution recognizes shared heritage dating back to 1868 Japanese immigration, including connections between the Gannenmono settlers and local communities in Okayama. It authorizes the transmission of certified copies to relevant government officials and organizations to facilitate future cooperation in areas like tourism, education, agriculture, and cultural exchange. This action does not create new laws or funding but serves as a diplomatic designation to strengthen institutional collaboration between the two jurisdictions.
Troy Hashimoto (D) Carol Fukunaga (D) Lorraine Inouye (D) Stanley Chang (D) Tim Richards (D) · 2 co-sponsors
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 185: REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

This Senate Resolution asks the State Auditor to review the Department of Education's list of unfinished school construction and renovation projects. The audit will examine how much money has been spent on each project, why some are delayed or over budget, and how much additional funding is needed to finish them. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the state's school infrastructure needs and suggest ways to manage future projects more effectively. The Auditor must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature before the 2027 session begins.
Brandon Elefante (D) Troy Hashimoto (D) Samantha DeCorte (R) Mike Gabbard (D) Joy San Buenaventura (D) · 2 co-sponsors
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 191: URGING THIS BODY TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS AVAILABLE TO STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRALIZED PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISTRICT OR SIMILAR SERVICE COOPERATIVE WOULD PROVIDE IMPROVED SUPPORT TO PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

This Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Legislature to create a working group that will study how to better support public charter schools in the state. The proposed group would examine current administrative challenges faced by charter schools, such as facility maintenance and operational services, and evaluate whether establishing a centralized district or service cooperative could provide more effective support. The working group would include representatives from various stakeholder organizations and must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This resolution does not create any new laws or programs itself, but rather sets up a study process to inform future policy decisions about charter school support structures.
Troy Hashimoto (D) Donna Kim (D)
passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 194: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII.

This bill is a Senate concurrent resolution that urges Hawaii's Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport. It directly affects high school students, coaches, and athletic programs by requesting the state education department to develop guidelines and safety standards that align with federal Title IX requirements for gender equity in athletics. The resolution asks the Department of Education to work with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to establish criteria for classifying cheerleading as a varsity sport, ensuring athletes receive equitable access to resources like certified coaching, training support, and facilities. As a non-binding resolution, it does not mandate immediate changes but serves as a formal recommendation to state officials to evaluate and potentially adopt cheerleading as a recognized interscholastic sport.
Rachele Lamosao (D) Troy Hashimoto (D) Carol Fukunaga (D) Michelle Kidani (D) Lorraine Inouye (D) · 1 co-sponsor
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 155: PRIORITIZING EFFORTS TO PROTECT HAWAII'S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM FOREIGN INFLUENCE.

This Senate resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, water, energy, and food supplies. It requests that agencies work to reduce the state's dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution directs these agencies to consider infrastructure security in all future plans and projects. Certified copies of the resolution are to be sent to various state officials including the Governor and heads of key departments. This document serves as a non-binding recommendation rather than creating new laws or mandates.
Chris Lee (D)
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 82: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN MENSTRUAL HEALTH EDUCATION INITIATIVES AND TO ADOPT A COMPREHENSIVE MENSTRUAL CYCLE CURRICULUM.

This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to strengthen menstrual health education in public schools by adopting a comprehensive curriculum. The bill directly affects students, educators, and school administrators by requesting the creation of age-appropriate lessons that cover menstrual biology, hygiene, and cultural perspectives. Key provisions include integrating the four pillars of menstrual dignity - privacy, inclusivity, access, and education - into existing health standards, with specific requirements for elementary schools such as using anatomically correct diagrams and providing age-appropriate books. The resolution also calls for culturally responsive content that includes both Native Hawaiian and Western views on menstruation while ensuring materials are respectful of all students regardless of race, gender, or background.
Ron Kouchi (D)
passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 164: PRIORITIZING EFFORTS TO PROTECT HAWAII'S CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM FOREIGN INFLUENCE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution encourages Hawaii state agencies to prioritize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure systems such as communications, energy, water, and food supply. It directs agencies to reduce dependence on imported goods and minimize exposure to foreign influence, supply disruptions, and cybersecurity risks. The resolution requests that all state plans and decisions consider infrastructure security and resilience, particularly given Hawaii's geographic isolation and reliance on global supply chains. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal expression of legislative intent to guide state agency priorities.
Chris Lee (D)
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 94: CONVENING A WORKING GROUP TO ESTABLISH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZED BY THE STATE TO SUPPORT SANCTUARIES AND OTHER CONSERVATION-RELATED INITIATIVES FOR ENDANGERED AND OTHER SPECIES.

This Senate Resolution establishes a working group to study how Hawaii could create a state-recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered species through sanctuaries and conservation projects. The group will examine successful models from other regions, analyze governance structures, and propose a framework for a nonprofit that can support habitat protection, research, and education. Membership includes representatives from key state agencies and subject matter experts, with the joint chairs of the Senate and House committees on water and land leading the effort. The working group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by late 2027, without creating any immediate laws or funding changes.
Chris Lee (D)
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 156: DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water conservation and infrastructure investment. The measure encourages state residents to participate in educational programs and aligns local efforts with global water advocacy events like World Water Day. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to promote water resource management and infrastructure awareness across the state.
Chris Lee (D)
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 107: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S INTERNAL AUDIT OFFICE TO CONDUCT SEMIANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND MANAGEMENT AUDITS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS ATTACHED AGENCIES.

This Senate Resolution requests the State Auditor to perform quarterly performance and management audits of the Department of Education and its related agencies. The bill aims to address concerns about the current internal audit structure by having an independent external auditor evaluate program effectiveness, leadership, federal fund usage, and school plans. These audits will rotate among different departments and must cover at least two performance and two management reviews each year. The Department of Education and its agencies are asked to use the audit results to adjust programs and resource allocation to better support student success and workforce preparation.
Donovan Dela Cruz (D) Brandon Elefante (D) Stanley Chang (D) Donna Kim (D) · 1 co-sponsor
passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 161: ENCOURAGING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTNERSHIP WITH AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND TO ADVANCE BIOSECURITY, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES, AND OTHER ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN.

This Senate Resolution encourages the State of Hawaii to establish a sister state relationship with New Zealand to strengthen cooperation on biosecurity, conservation, and endangered species protection. The bill highlights shared challenges between both Pacific island communities, particularly the threat of invasive species and the need to protect unique native wildlife. It proposes that Hawaii could benefit from New Zealand's advanced biosecurity systems, sanctuary models, and species recovery programs to help restore native ecosystems. The resolution directs certified copies to the Governor, New Zealand Consul General, and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to facilitate potential partnership discussions.
Chris Lee (D)
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