Education

This bill directs the University of Hawaii to create a public online dashboard that provides students and families with clear, comparable data on academic programs, including costs, time to degree, and post-graduation outcomes. The university must submit a preliminary report by December 2026 outlining its data inventory and implementation plan, followed by the launch of the dashboard and annual progress reports to the legislature. While the system is designed primarily to help prospective students make informed educational decisions, the data will also support evidence-based planning and program reviews within the university system.

Increases the expenditure ceiling and appropriates funds out of the State Risk Management Revolving Fund to distribute property and liability insurance proceeds related to the 2023 Maui wildfires to be expended by the School Facilities Authority, Department of Transportation, and Department of Land and Natural Resources to rebuild and restore certain state facilities in Lahaina. Requires the Department of Accounting and General Services to submit to the Legislature a master coordinated project plan developed in collaboration with certain state agencies and in consultation with the County of Maui and other relevant entities. Requires the Department of Education to transfer exclusive site control over the new King Kamehameha III Elementary School property to the SFA while the School is under construction. Requires DAGS to transfer to the SFA any materials deemed necessary for the construction of the School and to provide further support as necessary upon request. Requires the SFA to submit monthly progress reports to the Governor and Legislature. Allows the Governor to transfer certain authorities and responsibilities from the SFA to another state agency under certain conditions. Requires full funding for the projects for which funds are appropriated to be available before expenditure. (CD1)

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 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 bill formally notifies the Hawaii Legislature that Governor Josh Green signed SB2138 into law on May 29, 2026. The legislation expands tuition assistance under the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program to include company grade officers (ranks O-1 through O-3), in addition to enlisted personnel and warrant officers. It also clarifies that eligible recipients must be state residents and undergraduate or graduate students attending any University of Hawaii campus. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, pending the availability of funds.

This bill designates the first Friday in February of each year as "Love My Library Day" to honor the vital role libraries play in Hawaii's communities. The legislation applies to all libraries, including public, school, and higher education facilities, emphasizing their importance for lifelong learning, civic engagement, and access to essential resources. By adding this designation to the state statutes, the bill aims to raise public awareness and encourage support for library services without creating a new state holiday.

This bill, signed into law as Act 030, amends Hawaii's teacher licensing statutes to clarify the hiring authority of public schools and charter schools. It mandates that these institutions primarily hire licensed teachers for their specific fields but allows for the emergency hiring of unlicensed individuals only when no qualified candidates are available. Under this new framework, schools must report detailed data on teacher shortages and out-of-field assignments annually, while any unlicensed hires are limited to a maximum of five years with strict requirements to demonstrate active progress toward obtaining a license.

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 House Resolution urges Hawaii state agencies to create a statewide peer counselor program for high school students to address loneliness and social disconnection. The proposed program would involve collaboration between the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Office of Wellness and Resilience to train students in active listening, ethical boundaries, and culturally responsive practices. Student peer counselors would serve as trained points of connection within schools, promoting belonging and helping identify students experiencing isolation while referring them to licensed mental health professionals when needed. The resolution recommends implementing the program in phases starting with pilot programs in select schools and includes the Hawaii State Youth Commission in program development and evaluation.

This House Resolution asks Hawaii's Department of Education to develop a plan for removing processed meats, which are classified as carcinogens, from school meals by 2032. The plan would require schools to either eliminate processed meats entirely or replace them with whole-food, scratch-made, or minimally processed plant-based alternatives. The Department must create an inventory of current menu items, outline a timeline for changes, establish nutritional standards for replacements, and estimate associated costs. The resolution directs the Department to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature within 20 days of the resolution's passage.