Education (Higher Education)

passed · Hawaii · Senate May 12, 2026

SR 190: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO CONSIDER OFFERING OLELO HAWAII MICRO-CREDENTIALS FOCUSING ON THE NIIHAU DIALECT.

This Senate Resolution requests the University of Hawaii to create a specific pathway for studying the Niihau dialect of the Hawaiian language. The bill recognizes that the Niihau community has preserved a distinct version of Hawaiian that differs from the dialects used in mainstream immersion schools and other educational settings. It aims to formally acknowledge the unique linguistic heritage of Niihau speakers and ensure their specific language needs are addressed within higher education. The resolution directs a copy of this request to the President of the University of Hawaii System for consideration.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates educational pathway for Niihau dialect, expanding language education access and preserving linguistic heritage within higher education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 54: REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI BOARD OF REGENTS TO CONSIDER RENAMING LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO PUʻULOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

This bill asks the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents to consider renaming Leeward Community College to Puʻuloa Community College. The proposal is based on Puʻuloa's deep cultural and historical significance to the local area, including its connection to traditional food production and Hawaiian stories. The resolution requests that the Board of Regents evaluate this name change to better reflect the campus's location and strengthen its cultural identity. If approved, the change would affect the institution's official name but does not alter its operations or funding.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill seeks to rename a community college to honor Hawaiian cultural heritage, strengthening cultural identity and connection to local history, which supports educational mission and community relevance.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 101: URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA KOKUA PROGRAM AND DISABILITY SERVICES ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND IDENTIFY AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

This House Resolution urges the University of Hawaii to evaluate the effectiveness of its Kokua Program and disability services across the university system. The bill directs the University of Hawaii Manoa SEED program to conduct a study on improving student outreach, registration processes, faculty communication, building accessibility, and accommodations for basic needs like transportation and housing. The university must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by the start of the 2027 session. This measure aims to address gaps in disability support services and ensure better access for students with disabilities throughout the university system.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs evaluation and improvement of disability services and student outreach programs, enhancing educational access and support for students with disabilities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Special Education Tags People with Disabilities

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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

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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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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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 68: URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION NOT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

This House Resolution urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision to exclude the state from the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, which would allow families to use federal tax credits to fund scholarships for private school tuition and education services. The program, set to begin in 2027, is funded through private donations and federal tax incentives rather than state money, and it is available only to states that opt in. Currently, 23 states have chosen to participate, while Hawaii has not, meaning local families would miss out on additional funding opportunities for education choice options. The resolution highlights that Hawaii's current proficiency rates in reading and math are low, suggesting that participating could provide more financial resources to support students.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill advocates for federal tax credit program that provides tax incentives for education, aligning with tax relief and fiscal management goals.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill advocates for expanding school choice through federal tax credits, increasing educational access and options for families.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education School Choice

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in committee · Hawaii · House Mar 18, 2026

HR 69: ENCOURAGING THE HAWAIʻI STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO WORK WITH THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN EDUCATION TO CREATE AND CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO ESTABLISH A K-12 HAWAIIAN IMMERSION CAMPUS IN WEST OʻAHU.

This bill encourages the Hawaii State Department of Education to collaborate with the Office of Hawaiian Education to form a working group that would plan for a new K-12 Hawaiian language immersion campus in West O'ahu. The working group would include representatives from state agencies, universities, community organizations, and local families to study potential locations, enrollment needs, staffing requirements, and governance structures. The group is required to meet quarterly for one year and submit a report with recommendations and a roadmap to establish the campus by 2040. This resolution does not authorize funding or mandate the creation of the school, but rather directs state agencies to begin planning and research.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes expansion of Hawaiian language immersion education by establishing a new K-12 campus, enhancing educational access and cultural preservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education

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