This Senate Concurrent Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Board of Education to create a plan for transitioning public school buses to electric models. The bill cites existing state laws requiring greenhouse gas reduction and energy independence as the legal basis for this initiative. It references successful examples from other districts, such as Oakland, where electric buses have shown benefits like longer lifespans, lower operating costs, improved air quality, and enhanced disaster response capabilities. The resolution requests that the education agencies collaborate with stakeholders and submit a report with findings and a proposed implementation plan to the Legislature by early 2027.
This Senate Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address youth loneliness and social disconnection. The program would involve trained student peer counselors who receive standardized instruction in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices to help identify and support students experiencing isolation. Key provisions include collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience, with the Hawaii State Youth Commission providing input on program design and evaluation. The resolution emphasizes face-to-face peer relationships and clear referral pathways to licensed mental health professionals while maintaining centralized oversight across the state's public education system.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Education to provide free school meals to all enrolled students, regardless of their family's income or eligibility for federal meal programs, starting in the 2029-2030 school year. The bill does not authorize funding or mandate implementation but serves as a formal request to the state education agency to consider universal free meals as a policy option. It builds on existing state legislation that has already expanded free meal eligibility to certain income groups in recent years. The resolution aims to address food insecurity among students by ensuring consistent access to nutritious meals across all schools in the state.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Department of Education to work together on a permanent program to increase tree coverage at public schools across the state. The bill aims to address rising temperatures that affect student health and learning, particularly in lower-income communities where tree coverage is currently lower. It requests the creation of staff positions to manage the program, which will focus on planting, maintaining trees, and selecting species that provide long-term benefits for climate, health, and education.
This Senate Resolution requests the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to expand and strengthen programs focused on financial literacy, credit readiness, and homeownership preparedness for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries. The bill directs the department to partner with financial educators, credit counselors, and community organizations to provide pre-award education, post-award support, and culturally responsive materials. Additionally, the resolution asks the department to identify funding opportunities and submit a detailed report to the Legislature by early 2027 outlining program improvements, participant numbers, and measurable outcomes related to lease stability and homeownership readiness.
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 Senate Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to expand Hawaiian language immersion programs in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Education. It addresses growing demand for these programs by urging the creation of teacher training pathways and the implementation of K-12 instruction across various school districts based on data-driven needs analysis. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law, directing state education officials to consider expansion efforts within available funding constraints.
This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to develop a plan for removing processed meats from school meals by 2032 or replacing them with healthier alternatives. The bill directly affects students and school food service providers by asking for an inventory of current menus, a timeline for transitioning to whole-foods or plant-based options, nutritional standards for replacements, and an analysis of associated costs. It is a procedural request rather than a law, meaning it asks the state agency to create a plan and report back to the Legislature by 2027 without mandating immediate changes.
This Senate Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to introduce a basic swimming course at either the primary or secondary education level. The measure aims to address high drowning rates and water safety disparities by promoting access to swimming skills for students. It does not mandate funding or curriculum changes but serves as a formal recommendation to state education officials. The resolution is directed to the Superintendent of Education and the Chairperson of the Board of Education for their consideration.
This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create curriculum plans and programs teaching artificial intelligence literacy in public schools. The proposed curriculum would cover AI fundamentals, ethical use, best practices for academic and professional settings, and how AI relates to Hawaii's history, environment, and culture. The resolution requires the Department to submit these plans to the Legislature at least 20 days before the 2027 session begins. This measure responds to the growing use of AI tools by students nationwide and aims to prepare students for future workforce demands while addressing concerns about misuse and educational equity.
