Authorizes the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, to establish the Shade and Fruit Tree Program to support educational activities and encourage propagation of native shade trees and fruit trees for planting in Department of Education schools. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Education to establish a School Bus Driver Recruitment Grant Program. Establishes a School Bus Driver Recruitment Special Fund. Establishes a Repayment Signing Bonus Program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Hawaii Climate Institute at the University of Hawaii to support climate resilience and adaptation initiatives of the University and the State. Requires a percentage of the revenue generated by any increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax rates beginning on January 1, 2026, and by assessment of the Transient Accommodations Tax on gross rental proceeds derived from cruise fares to be allocated to the University of Hawaii annually to support the programs and operations of the Hawaii Climate Institute. Transfers the International Pacific Research Center of the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology to the Hawaii Climate Institute. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to provide monetary awards to educators who are recognized by the legislature, during education week, for their accomplishments, excellence in teaching, leadership, and service. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Clarifies that free tuition at private educational institutions are to be considered conditional gifts that support educational advancements rather than contractual obligations. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes a Teacher Workforce Housing Stipend Program to support teacher retention at public and charter schools classified as hard-to-staff. Requires reports to the Legislature. Amends the purpose and uses of the Teachers' Housing Revolving Fund. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Creates a School Psychologists Working Group within the Department of Education to recommend actionable steps or propose legislation for an immediate pathway to licensure for school psychologists that can be acted upon in 2026. Requires a report to the Legislature. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Imposes an additional fee for a certificate of registration for motor vehicles, to be deposited into the Safe Routes to School Program Special Fund. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes an exemption from applicable county permit requirements for repetitive construction projects for facilities under the control of any state department or agency, under certain conditions. Clarifies that, except for projects in special flood hazard areas, contracts for the construction, renovation, or repair of facilities under the control of the Department of Education, University of Hawaii, or School Facilities Authority shall be exempt from county permitting requirements that related off-site improvements be made by the contracting government agency as a condition to the issuance of any permit. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Expands the Department of Education's authority to allow more trained staff to volunteer to assist students with the administration of medication. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
