HB 2534 would appropriate state funds to the Department of Education to establish robotics as an official interscholastic sport for public high schools. If passed, it would allow schools to form competitive robotics teams under state guidelines, with the Department developing program rules by July 1, 3000. The bill directly affects public high school students and athletic programs by creating a new competitive category. It is currently pending in the Education Committee after passing committee recommendations with amendments.
This House Resolution formally congratulates three Hawaii educators - Jessica Canyon, Natsumi Yamasato, and Jodi Kadoyama - who were named 2026 Teacher of the Year for their respective school districts, and recognizes Mänaʻana Elementary School as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School. The resolution highlights each recipient's specific contributions to education, including classroom instruction, STEM program development, student mentorship, and school leadership roles. By acknowledging these achievements, the resolution serves as an official commendation from the Hawaii House of Representatives for exemplary teaching and school performance.
This House Resolution congratulates five educators in Hawaii who have been recognized for their achievements in 2025 and 2026. The bill formally acknowledges Matthew Brown as the 2025 Librarian of the Year, Jacquelyn McCandless as the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year, Leka Anitema as a 2026 School Counselor of the Year national finalist, and Christopher Justo as the 2026 Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex Area Teacher of the Year. The resolution also recognizes the 2026 Aiea-Moanalua-Radford Complex Area Teacher of the Year, though that individual is not named in the provided text. These individuals are being honored for their leadership and contributions to education and library services across Hawaii.
Requires the Department of Transportation to administer the Safe Routes to School Program. Amends the purposes for which funds of the Safe Routes to School Special Fund may be used for. Establishes deadlines for when funds from Safe Routes to School Special Fund that are allocated to the counties should be obligated or expended by. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Entitles unaccompanied homeless youth, including runaway youth, with the rights, as provided by the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, to immediate enrollment in school, full participation in school activities, and access to comparable school and educational services provided to other students. Establishes a student-centered, safety-first protocol for unaccompanied homeless youth enrolling in or attending school. Permits unaccompanied homeless youth to provisionally enroll in school without providing immunization records. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)
Establishes block appropriations and increases fiscal flexibility for the University of Hawaii. Establishes a University of Hawaii Budget Stabilization Fund, authorizes limited procurement and fiscal exemptions, and implements performance‑based funding metrics. Requires annual fiscal and performance reporting to the Legislature and provides a transition framework for the move to block budgeting. Effective July 1, 3000. (HD2)
Requires the exclusive representative for bargaining unit (5) to appoint to the Board of Education a nonvoting public school teacher representative. Authorizes the nonvoting public school teacher representative to participate in all Board of Education meetings and enter into executive sessions, except in certain matters related to collective bargaining negotiations or personnel matters that may pose a conflict of interest. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD3)
Requires the Board of Education to adopt a heat acclimatization and practice policy based on the Hawaii Athletic Trainers Association's Hawaii High School Athletic Association Heat Acclimatization and Practice Policy of 2017 for students in grades kindergarten to twelve in Department of Education schools and public charter schools statewide for certain physical activities. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Expands free school meal coverage, beginning with the 2029-2030 school year, to all public school students, including public charter school students, regardless of whether the student participates in a federal school meals program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Education to establish a Numeracy Coaching Program to provide numeracy coaches in certain Department of Education elementary schools, middle schools, and intermediate schools to support teachers, improve instruction, and ensure that students develop a strong foundation in mathematics. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
