Informing the Legislature that on May 30, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB133 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 141).

This bill appropriates $685,870 from state general revenues to the Department of Education to establish surfing as an interscholastic sport in Hawaii public schools for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. It recognizes surfing's cultural significance to Hawaii, its economic value as a tourism driver (citing a $20.9 million economic impact study from the 2010 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing), and notes that only one of five local athletic leagues currently sponsors surfing programs, limiting student opportunities. The funding will specifically support the development of competitive surfing programs in schools to expand participation and continue attracting tourists interested in the sport. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025.