Education

introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1340: Informing the Legislature that on July 13, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1785 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 238).

This bill allows Hawaii's Department of Education to temporarily suspend or remove parts of school bus contracts if a contractor fails to provide service for five or more consecutive school days. It authorizes the superintendent to hire a temporary replacement carrier through an emergency agreement lasting up to twelve months while a permanent solution is sought. Additionally, the law permits the department to charge financial penalties to contractors who do not fulfill their obligations without valid justification, with those funds used to cover replacement transportation costs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens school operations by ensuring reliable transportation, a critical service for student access and safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jul 14, 2026

GM 1344: Informing the Legislature that on July 13, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB1891 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 242).

This bill, signed into law as Act 242, requires Hawaii's public schools to improve reading outcomes for students by addressing dyslexia and language challenges. Starting in the 2028-2029 school year, schools must administer specific screening tests to all students in kindergarten through third grade and any new students entering the system. The law also mandates that schools provide evidence-based interventions for identified students, offer professional development for teachers on structured literacy instruction, and update pre-service training for future educators. These measures aim to ensure all students receive the support needed to achieve reading proficiency by graduation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates screening for dyslexia and requires evidence-based interventions to improve student reading outcomes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1240: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2613 SD1 HD3 CD1 (ACT 139).

This bill, signed into law as Act 139, updates the specific land identification numbers used in a 2022 law that transferred public school land from the counties of Kauai and Maui to the Hawaii Department of Education. The primary mechanism involves correcting tax map key numbers in the existing statute to reflect current circumstances, ensuring the legal description of the properties remains accurate. These adjustments apply to specific parcels designated for schools such as Eleele Elementary, Waimea High, and Baldwin High, while maintaining the original intent of the transfer. The legislation clarifies that the transfer is effective as of July 1, 2022, and explicitly waives any future claims or liabilities related to the condition of the land.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill corrects tax map keys for public school land, ensuring accurate legal descriptions for school properties and protecting educational infrastructure.85% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1255: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2802 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 154).

This bill establishes a new bachelor's degree program in agricultural science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu to support the state's goals for sustainable and diversified farming. To make this possible, the legislation appropriates $375,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to cover program setup, one full-time administrative position, and necessary supplies. The program is designated as a matter of statewide concern, and the funding is authorized to begin on July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $375,000 to fund a new agricultural science degree program, directly increasing state spending on education and sustainable farming initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a new bachelor's degree program in agricultural science and appropriates $375,000 for program setup and administration, directly expanding higher education access and funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 9, 2026

GM 1223: Informing the Legislature that on June 8, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2930 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 123).

This bill directs the state to use insurance proceeds from the 2023 Maui wildfires to rebuild specific Lahaina facilities, including King Kamehameha III Elementary School and the small boat harbor. To ensure these funds are used efficiently, the law requires the creation of a master coordinated project plan involving state agencies, Maui County, and private partners before releasing additional money from the state risk management revolving fund. The legislation also mandates monthly progress reports on construction and allows for the transfer of certain school construction responsibilities between state agencies if needed.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates wildfire insurance funds to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School, directly strengthening school infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1239: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2171 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 138).

This bill, Act 138, authorizes the University of Hawaii to operate teaching laboratories that function as active businesses for student training without being hindered by county zoning laws or special use permit requirements. The legislation defines these "enterprise-related activities" as structured, educational operations like teaching hotels or culinary centers that provide hands-on, real-world experience and are secondary to the university's primary academic mission. While the university is exempt from certain land use regulations, it must still comply with all state and county safety, building, and health codes, and any revenue generated must be used to support the university's facilities and student scholarships.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational access by allowing universities to operate practical training labs, enhancing hands-on learning opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

GM 1281: Informing the Legislature that on June 26, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB3238 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 179).

This bill establishes a new Language Access Education and Workforce Development Program within the University of Hawaii to train qualified translators and interpreters for the state. The program will offer both credit and non-credit courses covering translation ethics, public service interpretation, and will include paid internship opportunities through the Hele Imua program. Priority admission is given to high school graduates who have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, while other applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The legislation appropriates $375,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to fund three full-time staff positions and program implementation across three campuses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes a new education program at the University of Hawaii to train translators, offering courses and internships, which expands educational access and workforce development.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates a workforce development program to train translators/interpreters, expanding employment opportunities and skills in the labor sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Workforce Development

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 24, 2026

GM 1228: Informing the Legislature that on June 24, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2293 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 127).

This bill clarifies the requirements for Hawaii's harm to students registry, which is a database maintained by the Department of Education to track employees who have harmed students. It specifies that the registry will include details such as the employee's name, date of birth, photograph, address, and the reporting institution. To ensure fairness, the law mandates that investigations leading to a registry listing must follow strict due process steps, including an independent investigator, opportunities for both parties to share information, representation for the accused, and a reasoned final finding based on evidence. Additionally, the bill requires institutions to share information about ongoing or completed investigations regarding harm to students with other schools in the state.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens student safety by establishing a registry to track employees who have harmed students, protecting the educational environment.90% confidence

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 4, 2026

GM 1180: Informing the Legislature that on June 4, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2339 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 080).

This bill authorizes the University of Hawaii to issue up to $28.5 million in revenue bonds to fund capital projects such as new construction, renovations, and repairs of facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and student housing. The funds will be used to address the university's infrastructure needs, with the principal and interest on the bonds secured solely by university revenues rather than taxpayer money. Additionally, the legislation requires the university to notify the legislature of specific projects funded by the bonds and includes a provision to assist financially needy students in offsetting potential increases in room and board costs resulting from the new debt. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026, allowing the university to begin financing these priority construction and maintenance efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $28.5M in revenue bonds to fund university infrastructure, strengthening public education facilities without using taxpayer money.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes $28.5M in bonds to fund university infrastructure, including classrooms and student housing, directly strengthening educational facilities.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill authorizes university revenue bonds to fund student housing construction and renovations, directly increasing housing capacity.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Jun 4, 2026

GM 1183: Informing the Legislature that on June 4, 2026, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB2297 HD1 SD2 CD1 (ACT 083).

This bill updates Hawaii's adult and community education laws to align with current federal funding requirements and modern educational practices. It directly affects state agencies and programs that receive federal grants for adult education by changing the statutory definition of eligible program areas. Key changes include renaming "homemaking and parent education" to "family and community education," adding English language acquisition and civics education as a core component, and establishing workplace literacy programs. The legislation also clarifies who qualifies as an "eligible individual" for these federally funded initiatives to ensure the state's programs meet national standards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill updates adult education laws to align with federal requirements and modern practices, expanding eligible program areas and adding civics and English acquisition.85% confidence

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