REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON WHETHER TEACHERS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL SHOULD BE TRAINED IN THE USE OF, AND BE EQUIPPED WITH, PEPPER SPRAY.

This concurrent resolution (SCR 79) requests Hawaii's Department of Education to study whether teachers and school personnel should receive training and be equipped with pepper spray for school safety. The study must examine Hawaii school safety data, policies in other states, potential benefits/risks (including health and legal aspects), and gather input from stakeholders like educators and law enforcement. It requires the Department to submit a report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2026, before the next legislative session. This resolution does not enact any policy change but initiates a review of a potential safety measure for Hawaii public schools.