Education

passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 112: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TO REQUIRE COMPLETION OF COMPREHENSIVE COURSEWORK IN READING, LANGUAGE, AND LITERACY AS A CONDITION FOR GRADUATION FROM ANY STATE-APPROVED EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM LEADING TO TEACHER LICENSURE.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to combine the McKinley and Waipahu Community Schools for Adults into one statewide program called the Hawaii State Community School for Adults. The bill aims to improve coordination, streamline operations, and better serve adult learners by creating a unified system that maintains current services while expanding program quality. It directs the Department to consult with employee representatives, develop a transition plan to minimize disruption, and target a July 1, 2026 start date for the new unified program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill unifies adult education programs to improve coordination, streamline operations, and better serve adult learners, expanding educational access and program quality.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Teachers

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SCR 158: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION NOT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision to opt out of the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which would allow Hawaii to participate in a federal scholarship initiative. The bill explains that the program provides federal tax credits to donors who contribute to scholarship organizations, with funds used to offer educational scholarships to K-12 students from low- and middle-income households. If Hawaii were to opt in, the state could designate local scholarship organizations to receive donations, potentially expanding educational options for families without reducing public school funding. The resolution highlights that 23 states have already joined the program and notes Hawaii's current academic performance statistics as context for why participation might be beneficial. This document is a non-binding recommendation rather than a law, as it does not directly change policy but instead asks the Governor to review the decision.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill urges participation in federal tax credit program providing tax relief to donors and scholarships for low/middle-income students, advancing tax policy affecting state budget.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill urges participation in federal scholarship program expanding educational access for K-12 students from low- and middle-income households.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits K-12 Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 190: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO CONSIDER OFFERING OLELO HAWAII MICRO-CREDENTIALS FOCUSING ON THE NIIHAU DIALECT.

This Senate Resolution requests the University of Hawaii to create a specific pathway for studying the Niihau dialect of the Hawaiian language. The bill recognizes that the Niihau community has preserved a distinct version of Hawaiian that differs from the dialects used in mainstream immersion schools and other educational settings. It aims to formally acknowledge the unique linguistic heritage of Niihau speakers and ensure their specific language needs are addressed within higher education. The resolution directs a copy of this request to the President of the University of Hawaii System for consideration.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates educational pathway for Niihau dialect, expanding language education access and preserving linguistic heritage within higher education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 192: REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO REVISE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS TO INCLUDE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A STANDALONE FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE.

This Senate Resolution requests that Hawaii's Board of Education work with the Department of Education to make completing a standalone financial literacy course a graduation requirement for public high school students. The bill specifically asks for a formal vote to approve this requirement, teacher professional development credits, identification of funding sources, tracking of student completion, and a curriculum plan based on community input. It argues that a dedicated course is more effective than integrating financial literacy into other subjects or the Personal Transition Plan, citing evidence that financial skills improve with focused instruction. The resolution reflects concerns about declining financial literacy among younger generations and the potential long-term benefits of ensuring all students receive practical financial education.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes financial literacy education, fostering fiscal responsibility among students, which aligns with promoting fiscal responsibility indicator.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill adds financial literacy to graduation requirements, enhancing student education and expanding educational programs95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Teachers

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SR 106: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE DETAILING FARM-TO-SCHOOL IMPLEMENTATION, LOCAL FOOD PROCUREMENT, REGIONAL KITCHEN ALIGNMENT, AND FEDERAL FARM-TO-SCHOOL GRANT PARTICIPATION.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to submit a detailed report to the Legislature on its farm-to-school program and local food procurement efforts. The report should cover current local food purchasing levels, how school meal operations align with regional kitchen infrastructure, and any barriers preventing small and mid-sized farms from participating. It also asks for information on the Department's use of federal farm-to-school grants and a plan for future grant participation. The goal is to gather data that can help coordinate statewide efforts to strengthen local food supply chains and support local agriculture.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes farm-to-school programs and local food procurement, enhancing student nutrition and supporting local agriculture within schools.85% confidence

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 54: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI BOARD OF REGENTS TO CONSIDER RENAMING LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO PUʻULOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

This bill asks the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents to consider renaming Leeward Community College to Puʻuloa Community College. The proposal is based on Puʻuloa's deep cultural and historical significance to the local area, including its connection to traditional food production and Hawaiian stories. The resolution requests that the Board of Regents evaluate this name change to better reflect the campus's location and strengthen its cultural identity. If approved, the change would affect the institution's official name but does not alter its operations or funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to rename a community college to honor Hawaiian cultural heritage, strengthening cultural identity and connection to local history, which supports educational mission and community relevance.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 42: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE COST AND BENEFITS OF HIRING MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FOR EVERY PUBLIC SCHOOL AND OF DISTRIBUTING GUIDELINES ON TELEHEALTH SAFE SPACES.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to work with the Department of Health to study the costs and benefits of hiring mental health professionals for every public school, with staffing ratios of one professional per 250 students or one per smaller school. The study will also examine guidelines for creating safe, quiet spaces on school campuses where students can access telehealth services during regular school hours. The resolution directs the Department of Education to complete this study and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027. This measure is a Senate Resolution, which means it expresses the Senate's position rather than creating immediate law.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes mental health support in schools by studying hiring professionals and creating safe telehealth spaces, enhancing student well-being and educational environment.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes mental health services in schools by studying hiring professionals and telehealth access, expanding healthcare availability for students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Mental Health Telehealth

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signed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 162: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A SHARED DECISION MAKING COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN TO ESTABLISH A K-12 KAIAPUNI SCHOOL IN KAPOLEI.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a committee to create a plan for a new K-12 Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei. The bill responds to community demand and addresses the current lack of a complete K-12 immersion program in the area, which forces many students to commute long distances to Honolulu for education. The proposed committee would include 11 members representing school administrators, teachers, higher education officials, and community stakeholders to guide the planning process. The action plan developed by this committee must address facility needs, teacher recruitment, and curriculum development to establish a self-contained school serving grades K-12.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill proposes establishing a new K-12 Hawaiian language immersion school, expanding educational access and addressing community demand for local education options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Teachers

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 101: URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA KOKUA PROGRAM AND DISABILITY SERVICES ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

This House Resolution urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Kokua Program and disability services across the university system. The bill directs the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on improving student outreach, registration processes, faculty communication, building accessibility, and accommodations for basic needs like transportation and housing. The university must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This measure aims to address gaps in disability support services and ensure better access for students with disabilities throughout the university system.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs evaluation and improvement of disability services and student outreach programs, enhancing educational access and support for students with disabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Tags People with Disabilities

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passed both · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SCR 114: 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 Concurrent Resolution requests the State Auditor to conduct quarterly performance and management audits of Hawaii's Department of Education and its attached agencies. The bill addresses concerns that the department's internal audit office has a conflict of interest because its director reports directly to the Superintendent, while the existing Audit Committee lacks authority to evaluate program effectiveness for student success. Under this resolution, the Auditor would rotate quarterly audits among different agencies and focus on academic performance, leadership structures, federal funding usage, and school plans. The Department of Education is urged to use these audit findings to evaluate programs and reallocate resources to improve student academic outcomes and workforce readiness.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens educational oversight by requesting independent audits of the Department of Education to improve accountability and program effectiveness for student success.85% confidence

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