Education

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 184: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A PROPOSAL FOR A TIERED, COORDINATED, AND STANDARDIZED BELL SCHEDULE FRAMEWORK FOR DEPARTMENT SCHOOLS.

This Senate Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to create a standardized bell schedule framework for all public schools in the state. The proposal aims to address current inconsistencies in school start and end times that create challenges for families, transportation planning, and coordination with community programs. The framework would organize schedules by school level - elementary, middle, and high school - while allowing local flexibility within state instructional hour requirements. The Department of Education is directed to consult with school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and transportation providers during the development process.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes standardized bell schedules to improve coordination, reduce family challenges, and enhance community program access for students.75% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety School Transportation

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 24, 2026

HCR 181: AFFIRMING THAT THE LEGISLATIVE INTENT OF SECTION 302A-1116, HAWAII REVISED STATUTES, IS TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CREATE SUBSTANTIVELY TEMPORARY POSITIONS ONLY.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a shared decision-making committee to develop a plan for establishing a K-12 Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei. The proposed committee would include 11 members representing educators, administrators, community organizations, parents, and higher education leaders to guide the planning process. The action plan must outline steps for facility selection, teacher recruitment, curriculum development, and a phased implementation schedule starting with kindergarten through second grade by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also directs the Department to allocate initial faculty and administrative positions to support the new school and requires progress reports to the Legislature by 2027 and 2028.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill proposes establishing a new K-12 Hawaiian language immersion school, expanding educational access and supporting language preservation through shared decision-making committee.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Teachers

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passed both · Hawaii · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 2545: RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to establish the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Matching Program. Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to establish a STEM education outreach program, under which recipients of funds from the SBIR Matching Program must deliver presentations to public school students. Requires and appropriates funds for the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to develop an Economic Diversification Strategic Plan. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for economic diversification and defense ecosystem development. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates STEM education outreach program requiring SBIR recipients to present to public school students, enhancing educational access and STEM education.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAppropriates funds for HTDC to establish tech innovation programs, STEM outreach, and economic diversification strategic plan, directly advancing technology development.90% confidence

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 148: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION NOT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

This Senate resolution urges the governor of Hawaii to reconsider his decision not to allow the state to participate in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. The program offers a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations, which can then be used to provide educational scholarships to low- and middle-income students for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational expenses. Hawaii would need to opt-in to the program to become a participating state, and the bill highlights that the program is funded through private contributions rather than state tax dollars. The resolution notes that 23 states have already opted in and that Hawaii's current education proficiency rates are relatively low, suggesting potential benefits from expanding educational choice options.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill urges participation in federal tax credit program providing up to $1,700 tax credits for scholarship donations, offering tax relief and expanding educational funding options for low/middle-income families.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill urges participation in federal tax credit program that provides scholarships for private school tuition, expanding educational access and funding options for students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice Student Financial Aid

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 27: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, TO EVALUATE AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LICENSING, TRAINING, AND WORKFORCE PIPELINE FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS IN THE STATE.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation, working with the Department of Education, to evaluate and recommend improvements to the licensing, training, and recruitment process for school bus drivers. The bill aims to address driver shortages that cause route cancellations and transportation disruptions, particularly affecting students in rural and neighbor island communities. The evaluation will examine barriers such as testing availability, interagency coordination, and workforce pipeline issues, with a deadline to submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill addresses school bus driver shortages affecting student transportation access, directly supporting educational access and continuity for students, especially in rural and neighbor island communities.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill seeks to improve workforce pipeline and address driver shortages, supporting employment stability and workforce development for school bus drivers.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill seeks to improve school bus driver licensing, training, and workforce pipeline to address transportation disruptions and ensure reliable student transportation services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Driver Licensing Public Transit

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 152: REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A CLIMATE LITERACY SEAL OF EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK IN HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

This Senate resolution asks Hawaii's Board of Education and Department of Education to create a working group that will design a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence program for public school students. The proposed program would recognize students who complete advanced coursework and hands-on projects focused on climate science, sustainability, and community resilience. The working group would include educators, university experts, industry representatives, and student members to develop course requirements, evaluation criteria, and implementation plans. The Department of Education must submit a report with recommendations and any needed legislation to the Legislature by early 2027. This bill does not change current laws but initiates a planning process to potentially add a new graduation recognition program in the future.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes new climate literacy program for public schools, expanding educational offerings and student recognition opportunities95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes climate literacy and sustainability education, which supports renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure development goals.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes climate literacy framework in schools, promoting environmental education and climate science awareness among students.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 188: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION MICRO-CREDENTIAL PILOT PROGRAM DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND THE HAWAII STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to implement a pilot program for micro-credentials developed with the National Education Association, the Department's Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, and the Hawaii State Teachers Association. The program offers licensed teachers in public and charter schools free access to professional development courses if they are members of the participating organizations, with a $75 fee for non-members. Key provisions include posting the program on the Department's website, allowing participants to earn professional development credits upon completion, and requesting the Hawaii State Teachers Association to assist with outreach and verification. The Department of Education is also asked to submit a report to the Legislature by early 2027 detailing participation rates, educator feedback, and recommendations for future expansion.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes teacher professional development through micro-credential pilot program, expanding educational access and supporting educators with free training for members.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 27, 2026

HCR 166: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO IDENTIFY STATE LANDS IN EAST OAHU SUITABLE FOR THE PLANTING OF NATIVE HAWAIIAN TREES.

This House Concurrent Resolution requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources to identify state-owned lands in East Oahu suitable for planting native Hawaiian trees, including the culturally significant milo tree. The measure directs the department to consider opportunities for schools, community groups, and youth participants while preparing a report with potential locations and implementation considerations for the Legislature by the end of 2026. The resolution also mandates sending copies to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the department director, and the principal of Hahaione Elementary School, which was the source of the original idea.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs state lands to be identified for planting native trees with explicit consideration for schools, community groups, and youth participants, enhancing educational and environmental programs.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes planting native Hawaiian trees to restore natural habitats and conserve biodiversity, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 9, 2026

HR 50: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI BOARD OF REGENTS TO CONSIDER RENAMING LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO PUʻULOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

This bill is a non-binding request asking the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents to consider renaming Leeward Community College to Puʻuloa Community College. The proposal aims to reflect the cultural and historical significance of the Puʻuloa area on Oʻahu, which is known for its traditional fishponds and deep Hawaiian heritage. If adopted, the change would require official approval from the Board of Regents, which has authority over university operations, and would involve consulting with campus stakeholders and the broader community. The resolution does not mandate the name change but formally encourages the Board to evaluate the request as part of its decision-making process.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to honor Hawaiian cultural heritage through renaming, which supports educational access and cultural preservation in higher education institutions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HCR 99: URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUPPORT EXPANDED COMMUNITY ACCESS TO OUTDOOR PUBLIC SCHOOL FACILITIES AND GROUNDS DURING NON-SCHOOL HOURS.

This bill urges the Hawaii Department of Education to allow local communities to use outdoor school facilities like playgrounds and sports fields during non-school hours, including weekends. It aims to increase access to safe recreational spaces for residents, particularly in areas where parks are scarce, by encouraging schools to share their grounds with the public. The resolution asks the department to explore ways to facilitate this shared use while ensuring it does not interfere with regular school operations. It also calls for the department to engage with community stakeholders to develop practical plans for expanding access to these public resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes expanded access to school facilities for community use, enhancing public infrastructure utilization and supporting educational resources availability.85% confidence

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