Education

in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 10, 2026

HR 24: ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO EXPAND THE HAWAIIAN IMMERSION PROGRAM.

This House Resolution encourages the Hawaii Department of Education to expand Hawaiian language immersion programs in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Education. The measure responds to growing demand for these schools, which have seen enrollment increase by about 1,400 students over the past decade despite declining resources and teacher shortages. It directs the Department of Education to explore pathways for hiring teachers and consider implementing K-12 instruction in complex districts based on needs analysis. The resolution is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law with mandatory requirements.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly encourages expansion of Hawaiian immersion programs, addresses teacher hiring pathways, and responds to growing enrollment demand, directly supporting educational access and programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 122: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOSECURITY TO JOINTLY DEVELOP A FARMER-TO-INSTITUTION COORDINATION PLAN THAT IS ALIGNED WITH THE AINA KITCHEN NETWORK ROLLOUT.

This Senate resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to create a joint plan connecting local farmers with the new AINA Kitchen Network, which will supply school meals statewide. The plan would identify specific crops needed at each construction phase, assess current local production capacity, and develop strategies to help farmers scale operations through infrastructure investment and multi-year contracts. It also calls for replacing handwritten procurement records with a centralized digital tracking system to improve oversight and ensure schools meet their 30% local food sourcing target by 2030.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens school meal programs by connecting local farmers to schools, improving food access and supporting agricultural education initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 145: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ADD TAX INSTRUCTION TO ITS FINANCIAL LITERACY GRADUATION REQUIREMENT.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to add tax instruction as a major topic area within the state's existing financial literacy graduation requirement for public school students. The resolution specifically recommends that tax education cover practical skills such as completing a 1040 form, understanding W-4 forms, payroll deductions, and the differences between federal and state income taxes. As a Senate resolution, the bill does not create new legal requirements but instead formally requests the Department of Education to incorporate these tax concepts into the financial literacy standards already in place for students starting with the Class of 2030.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes tax education in schools, enhancing financial literacy and understanding of tax systems, which supports informed fiscal participation.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands curriculum by adding tax instruction to financial literacy graduation requirements, enhancing student education.95% confidence

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signed · Hawaii · House Apr 8, 2026

HR 39: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INSTALL RAISED CROSSWALKS AT THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE, LAUIKI STREET, AND KAMOKU STREET INTERSECTIONS WITH HIHIWAI STREET TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY NEAR ALA WAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.

This House Resolution urges the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services to install raised crosswalks at three specific intersections near Ala Wai Elementary School to enhance pedestrian safety. The measure targets University Avenue, Lauiki Street, and Kamoku Street where they cross Hihiwai Street, areas with high foot traffic from students, families, and residents. Raised crosswalks are recommended because they physically slow vehicles, increase visibility for drivers, and address current safety concerns like confusing three-way stops and inadequate traffic control. The resolution is non-binding and directs copies to city officials and school leaders to encourage implementation of this safety improvement.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves pedestrian safety near elementary school, enhancing safe access for students and supporting school infrastructure85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill advocates for installing raised crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety and enhance transportation infrastructure at specific intersections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Pedestrian Safety

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 42: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO MEET THE CRITERIA NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZE CHEERLEADING AS A TITLE IX SPORT IN HAWAII.

This bill asks Hawaii's Department of Education to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport. It urges state officials to develop guidelines and safety standards that align with federal requirements for equal athletic opportunities. The resolution directs the Department of Education to work with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association to establish rules for coaching, facilities, and oversight. This measure seeks to ensure high school cheer athletes receive resources comparable to other varsity sports.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to expand athletic opportunities for high school students by recognizing cheerleading as a Title IX sport, enhancing student programs and equal access to athletics.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 126: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESILIENCE TO SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S SECONDARY AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAM AND THE FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA PROGRAM.

This Senate Resolution requests that the Hawaii Department of Education and the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience support the state's secondary agricultural education program and the Future Farmers of America program. The bill aims to address Hawaii's food security concerns by expanding educational opportunities and training for students interested in agricultural careers, which have declined since the year 2000 due to policy changes and funding issues. It proposes employing an extension agent at the university to provide professional development for teachers and connect schools with agricultural best practices, following a model used by other land grant universities. The resolution directs copies to the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Education, and the President of the University of Hawaii System to facilitate implementation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly requests support for secondary agricultural education and FFA programs, aiming to expand educational opportunities and address food security through student training.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Tags Agriculture

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 124: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL LITERACY, CREDIT READINESS, AND HOMEOWNERSHIP PREPAREDNESS PROGRAMS.

This bill 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 resolution asks the department to work with financial educators, credit counselors, and community partners to provide pre-award education, post-award support, culturally responsive materials, and to identify funding opportunities. The department is also asked to report back to the Legislature within 20 days of the 2027 session with details on program improvements, the number of people served, and measurable outcomes related to lease retention and credit improvement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill strengthens financial literacy and homeownership programs for Native Hawaiians, promoting fiscal responsibility and economic stability through expanded government support services.75% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands financial literacy and homeownership education programs for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, strengthening educational access and financial preparedness.75% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens homeownership programs and financial literacy for Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, directly advancing housing access and stability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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signed · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 43: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INSTALL RAISED CROSSWALKS AT THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE, LAUIKI STREET, AND KAMOKU STREET INTERSECTIONS WITH HIHIWAI STREET TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY NEAR ALA WAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.

This bill urges the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services to install raised crosswalks at three specific intersections with Hihiwai Street to enhance pedestrian safety near Ala Wai Elementary School. The proposed changes target University Avenue, Lauiki Street, and Kamoku Street, where current traffic controls are considered insufficient for high volumes of pedestrians including students and families. Raised crosswalks would physically slow vehicles and improve visibility for drivers, addressing safety concerns at these busy residential intersections. The resolution directs copies to city officials and school leaders to facilitate the implementation of these traffic calming measures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves pedestrian safety near elementary school, directly supporting student safety and educational access75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly advocates for installing raised crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety and traffic control at specific intersections, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Pedestrian Safety

passed · Hawaii · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SCR 202: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO CONSIDER OFFERING OLELO HAWAII MICRO-CREDENTIALS FOCUSING ON THE NIIHAU DIALECT.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution requests the University of Hawaii to create a specific language pathway focused on the Niihau dialect of Hawaiian. The bill recognizes that the Niihau dialect is distinct from standard Hawaiian due to its isolation and continued use as a primary language by the community. It aims to address concerns that external language revitalization efforts may inadvertently dilute this unique dialect by formally acknowledging its preservation needs within higher education. The resolution directs the university system to consider this request while noting that state agencies already support Niihau speakers through interpreter services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a specialized language pathway at University of Hawaii to preserve and teach the Niihau dialect, expanding educational access and supporting language revitalization programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 23, 2026

HCR 110: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII BOARD OF REGENTS TO REVIEW AND REFINE THE OPERATIONAL MISSIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT EACH CAMPUS FULFILLS A DISTINCT AND COMPLEMENTARY ROLE IN SERVING STUDENTS AND THE STATE.

This bill requests the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to review and refine the operational missions of the system's four-year campuses to ensure each has a distinct and complementary role. The resolution asks the Board to consider workforce needs, student access, geographic service areas, and resource efficiency during this review. The Board is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session begins. The bill directly affects the University of Hawaii system, its Board of Regents, and the campuses at Manoa, West Oahu, and Hilo.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to optimize university missions for better student access and workforce alignment, strengthening higher education effectiveness.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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