Education

passed · Hawaii · House Feb 20, 2026

HB 1951: RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.

Requires the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to establish a Center on Biosecurity Research, Education, and Extension to develop and implement innovative solutions for detecting, monitoring, eradicating, and managing invasive species. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for a Center focused on biosecurity research, education, and extension at a college, directly funding higher education initiatives within the topic scope.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2484: RELATING TO THE HAWAII CLIMATE INSTITUTE.

Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires six per cent of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates 6% of Transient Accommodations Tax revenue to fund Hawaii Climate Institute programs, directly supporting state budget allocation for climate initiatives.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill allocates 6% of Transient Accommodations Tax revenue to University of Hawaii programs, directly funding higher education initiatives under the Hawaii Climate Institute.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Hawaii Climate Institute funded by tourism tax to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives, directly advancing environmental protection and climate action.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 2705: RELATING TO HUMAN AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE.

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience for the development of its human and community resilience institute.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds to UH Manoa for a resilience institute, directly supporting higher education funding per bill's summary and subjects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Jan 30, 2026

HB 2210: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEM.

Requires the Board of Regents to grant a waiver on all tuition for qualifying native Hawaiian and Hawaiian students enrolled within the University of Hawaii System.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition waivers for Native Hawaiian students, removing financial barriers to higher education access within UH System.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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signed · Hawaii · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 2802: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Appropriates funds to establish a bachelor's degree program in agricultural science at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu; to fund one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position; and for supplies and equipment to support the programs. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates funds for new education bachelor's programs and staff at Leeward CC, directly advancing educational access and program development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

in committee · Hawaii · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 2445: RELATING TO STUDENT SAFETY.

Requires the Department of Education to develop, adopt, and implement a standardized emergency response plan governing immigration enforcement activity at or within one thousand feet of public schools and adopt policies and procedures to address immigration enforcement activity at certain school-related location and events. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires Department of Education to create safety plan protecting schools from immigration enforcement disruptions, aligning with educational safety protections.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationRequires emergency plan for immigration enforcement near schools, protecting student safety and limiting disruption to immigrant families during federal actions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Driver Licenses & IDs Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 3050: RELATING TO A MARITIME YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY PROGRAM.

Requires Honolulu Community College, in partnership with state agencies and maritime employers, to conduct a study and develop a plan for a statewide Maritime Youth Apprenticeship Pathway Program for individuals ages 16 to 24. Requires a report to the Legislature with recommendations on program structure, resource needs, proposed legislation and implementation options. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for a community college-led maritime apprenticeship program, expanding educational pathways for youth (16-24) through workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2233: RELATING TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM-EDUCATION PROGRAM.

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience and the Department of Health to continue their implementation of the Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program–Education Program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds to continue Hawaii's SNAP-Education Program at University of Hawaii and Dept. of Health, directly funding nutrition education initiatives within educational systems.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 26, 2026

SB 2202: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

Hawaii's SB 2202 establishes a comprehensive program to address the state's shortage of school bus drivers by creating financial incentives and support systems for recruitment and retention. The bill authorizes grants to help candidates cover the costs of obtaining commercial driver's licenses and learner's permits, funded through a new special account that accepts legislative appropriations and federal grants. It also introduces a repayment signing bonus structure where new hires receive $1,000 upon hiring, with additional payments at six months and one year of service, though drivers who leave before completing three years must repay the initial bonus. Furthermore, the Department of Education is required to launch a three-year outreach program featuring recruitment campaigns and workforce development partnerships, while submitting quarterly reports to the legislature on driver vacancies, wages, and program expenditures.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates funds for school bus driver recruitment/retention programs, directly supporting K-12 transportation access and school operations infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds school bus driver recruitment programs, directly supporting student transportation services within the transportation infrastructure framework.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Driver Licensing Public Transit

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passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 17, 2026

HB 2345: RELATING TO SCHOOL FACILITIES.

Requires the School Facilities Authority to establish geographically based capital improvement project districts for the localized management of capital improvement projects. Transfers all capital improvement project functions, funds, and vacant Facilities Development Branch positions from the Department of Education to the School Facilities Authority. Clarifies that general funds shall not be used for operations or management of the Authority. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD2)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationTransfers deferred maintenance management to School Facilities Authority, improving school infrastructure maintenance without defunding education programs.90% confidence

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