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.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized emergency response plan for immigration enforcement activities occurring within 1,000 feet of public schools or at school-related events. The plan would provide clear guidance to school staff on how to handle encounters with federal immigration officers while prioritizing student safety and minimizing disruption to learning. Key provisions include protocols for enforcement presence, student protection measures, communication with parents, staff training, and coordination with state agencies. The resolution also mandates periodic reviews of the plan to ensure it remains current with changing laws and best practices.
This bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes Waialua Robotics Team 359 - Hawaiian Kids for their achievements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It highlights the team's success in competitive robotics events, including winning the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Hawaii Regional and receiving multiple awards. The resolution formally congratulates the students and their supporters for their dedication to STEM education and community outreach efforts.
This House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving teacher retention across the state. It calls for the department to conduct research on factors contributing to teacher attrition, including compensation and housing challenges, and to establish an advisory board with diverse representation from educators, students, and community members. The resolution also encourages expanded recognition and appreciation efforts for teachers throughout the year. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal request for the department to take action on this issue.
This House Resolution honors Earl Kawa'a for his lifelong dedication to preserving the Hawaiian language and culture. The bill formally recognizes his contributions as a native speaker, educator, and community leader who has mentored future generations through workshops and cultural programs. It highlights his specific achievements, including his work with Kamehameha Schools, his service in the Peace Corps, and his development of the "Board and Stone in Every Home" initiative. The resolution expresses the legislature's appreciation for his legacy and extends its warmest aloha to him.
This House Resolution requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create a standardized swimmer classification system for public schools to improve water safety education. The bill directs the department to adopt a framework developed by Leahi Swim School and Na Kama Kai, which defines three proficiency levels: Swimmer, Water Safe Individual, and Water Smart Individual. Each level includes specific criteria such as swimming distances, treading water duration, stroke proficiency, and knowledge of ocean safety and environmental responsibility. The resolution aims to ensure consistent water-safety benchmarks across schools for physical education, athletics, and enrichment programs.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to create clear policies for storing and administering oral antihistamines in public schools. It would allow trained school staff to give these allergy medications to students who have a doctor-approved plan and written parental consent. The resolution outlines requirements for staff training, standardized consent forms, and secure storage procedures to ensure safe medication management. The Department of Education is asked to report its actions to the legislature within 20 days before the 2027 session.
This House Resolution urges the Hawaii Department of Education to support academic flexibility and equity for students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type I diabetes. The resolution asks the department to encourage schools to provide flexible attendance and assignment deadlines during medically documented illness flare-ups, promote consistent implementation of existing accommodations like Section 504 plans, and coordinate with families to maintain learning continuity during extended medical absences. It specifically highlights the needs of students on neighbor islands who face additional barriers due to limited access to medical specialists and the need for off-island travel. The measure does not create new laws or funding but instead calls for the department to use its existing authority to guide schools in providing equitable educational support.
This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Education to form a working group to address findings from an auditor's report on the state's farm-to-school and local food procurement programs. The working group will consist of up to seventeen members representing educators, farmers, distributors, nutrition professionals, and legislators to review challenges in meeting the goal of sourcing at least 10% of school meals from local producers. Key tasks include improving data collection on locally sourced food, streamlining procurement processes to better identify local products, and strengthening coordination between the education and agriculture sectors. The group must submit a report to the legislature by the end of 2026 with recommendations for policy changes or new legislation to support local food initiatives.
This House Resolution urges Hawaii's Department of Education to work with teachers to create an artificial intelligence literacy curriculum for students in grades six through twelve. The bill requests that the curriculum be developed using peer-reviewed research, global AI literacy frameworks, and existing local resources while focusing on ethical use, equitable access, and regular assessments. By establishing this educational framework, the resolution aims to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workforce without mandating specific curriculum content or funding.
