Education (Higher Education)

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SR 48: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON HAWAII'S FOOD MANUFACTURING STRENGTHS AND STRATEGIC MARKETS.

This Senate Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study on the state's food manufacturing strengths and identify strategic export markets for local high-value products. The study will analyze competitive advantages, calculate minimum profit margins needed to offset Hawaii's high operational costs, and assess logistical barriers to international trade. It also directs the University of Hawaii to update its food innovation curriculum based on the findings and requires collaboration with state agencies to align workforce development programs and future facility planning with the study's recommendations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill directs University of Hawaii to update food innovation curriculum, enhancing educational offerings in a specialized field75% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education

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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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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 · 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 75: 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 explore creating a K-12 Hawaiian language immersion campus in West Oahu. The working group would meet quarterly for one year to develop a plan, including potential locations, enrollment estimates, governance structures, teacher recruitment strategies, and an implementation timeline targeting establishment by 2040. The group would consist of 15 members representing state education agencies, universities, community organizations, parents, and elected officials to ensure diverse input on the proposal.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill proposes creating a new K-12 Hawaiian immersion campus, expanding educational access and supporting language preservation programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education K-12 Education Teachers

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introduced · Hawaii · Senate Feb 10, 2026

GM 3: Letter dated February 5, 2026, recommending the immediate passage of the following Emergency Appropriation bills: H.B. No. 2271, S.B. No. 3090; H.B. No. 2272, S.B. No. 3091; H.B. No. 2273, S.B. No. 3092; H.B. No. 2274, S.B. No. 3093; H.B. No. 2275, S.B. No. 3094; H.B. No. 2310, S.B. No. 3129; H.B. No. 2340, S.B. No. 3160; and S.B. No. 2211.

This bill is a governor's recommendation (GM 3) for the immediate passage of multiple emergency appropriation bills. It directs the legislature to approve urgent funding for specific state programs, including Public Employment Cost Items (through H.B. 2271/S.B. 3090 and similar paired bills), Department of Human Services (H.B. 2310/S.B. 3129 and S.B. 2211), and the University of Hawai'i (H.B. 2340/S.B. 3160). The bills provide emergency funding to address immediate budget needs for these state departments and programs. As a procedural recommendation, it does not change policy but accelerates funding approval for existing urgent requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesGovernor's recommendation for emergency funding of state programs (Public Employment, DHS, UH) directly supports budget allocation through appropriation bills.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationRecommends emergency funding for University of Hawai'i (H.B. 2340/S.B. 3160), directly advancing higher education funding under the Education topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Higher Education

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in committee · Hawaii · House Apr 7, 2026

HR 17: EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS POLICY AND URGING THE HAWAII ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SUBMIT AN AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF TO DEFEND THE ADMISSIONS POLICY IN ANY FUTURE LAWSUIT.

HR 17 is a House Resolution expressing support for Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy, which prioritizes students of Native Hawaiian ancestry. It urges Hawaii's Attorney General to file an amicus brief defending this policy in any future lawsuits. The resolution states the policy is a remedy for historical injustices against Native Hawaiians, including the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and clarifies that a recent Supreme Court ruling on university admissions does not apply to Kamehameha Schools as they are privately funded. This resolution has no legal effect but symbolically supports the school's policy and its cultural significance.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationDefends Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy prioritizing Native Hawaiian students, protecting educational access as remedy for historical injustice against Native Hawaiians in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 20, 2026

SB 3024: RELATING TO SEX-BASED DISCRIMINATION.

Clarifies and strengthens the State's protections against sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, and retaliation that occur in public schools, public charter schools, or at the University of Hawaii, including discrimination based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions. Establishes procedures for investigations and decision-making. Requires mandatory reporting by certain employees. Requires the Department of the Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive legal review. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly strengthens protections against sex discrimination and harassment in public schools/universities, advancing safe educational environments and access as required by Title IX.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill strengthens workplace protections against sex-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation for employees in public schools/universities, directly advancing labor rights standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Employment Discrimination

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passed · Hawaii · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 1967: RELATING TO PERMITTING.

Implements certain recommendations of the SPEED Task Force. Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a permitting workforce pipeline in partnership with the University of Hawaii and community colleges and coordinate with state and county permitting agencies on certain tasks related to classification levels, salary and benefits, hiring, and responsibilities of employees. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds permitting workforce pipeline via UH and community colleges, supporting higher education partnerships and workforce development.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates salary/benefits coordination for permitting workforce pipeline, directly addressing employment standards and funding through appropriations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

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signed · Hawaii · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 2171: RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

HB 2171 authorizes the University of Hawaii to engage in business-like activities for educational purposes, directly affecting the university's ability to operate revenue-generating projects tied to student learning. The bill permits UH to run ventures such as student-run businesses, research commercialization, or educational services that generate income while supporting academic goals. Key provisions remove legal barriers preventing the university from conducting these activities under its existing educational mission. This change allows UH to expand practical learning opportunities without requiring separate legislative approvals for each initiative.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes UH to run revenue-generating educational ventures (e.g., student businesses, research commercialization), removing barriers to fund academic goals and strengthen higher education operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education