Education

passed · Hawaii · Senate Feb 18, 2026

SB 2880: RELATING TO EDUCATION.

SB 2880 clarifies that public charter school teachers qualify for the Teacher National Board Certification Incentive Program, which provides financial rewards to educators who earn national board certification. This change directly affects public charter school teachers in the state, removing a previous eligibility barrier for this specific incentive. The bill’s key mechanism is a straightforward clarification in program rules, ensuring charter school teachers can access the same incentives as teachers in traditional public schools. The bill is currently under review by the Education (EDU) committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRemoves eligibility barrier for charter teachers to access certification incentives, directly supporting educator compensation and program access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Choice Teachers

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 1107: RELATING TO HEALTH.

Establish a medical education liaison position within the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine to support programs that utilize a team of medical specialists to support primary care providers and other health care professionals through mentorship and guidance. Appropriates funds.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAppropriates funds for medical education liaison at UH medical school, advancing higher education support through dedicated personnel and program funding.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAppropriates funds to establish medical education liaison supporting primary care providers via mentorship, strengthening healthcare workforce development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Primary Care

Track

signed · Hawaii · House Jul 14, 2026

HB 1785: RELATING TO STUDENT TRANSPORTATION.

Authorizes the Superintendent to hire a new contractor if a contractor under a student transportation contract fails to provide service on a contracted service capacity or designated service segment for five or more consecutive instructional days. Authorizes the Department of Education to assess a penalty if a contractor fails to provide service on a designated service segment without an approved justification. Authorizes the use of the School Bus Fare Revolving Fund to offset costs associated with procuring replacement services. (CD1)

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures reliable student transportation by enabling contractor replacement and creating a revolving fund from penalties, directly supporting educational access for K-12 students.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Feb 2, 2026

SB 3299: RELATING TO THE PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM.

Clarifies that the Preschool Open Doors Program is open to all children, including children in foster care, who meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationClarifies preschool program eligibility to include foster children, expanding access to early education for vulnerable youth.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Tags Children

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 1394: RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.

Amends the law to reduce the amount the Department of Education is required to charge for school meals to all students enrolled in department schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationReduces school meal costs for all students, improving access to nutritious meals - a key component of educational support and student well-being in K-12 settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Jan 21, 2026

SB 672: RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for a capital improvement project for the repair, maintenance, and demolition of buildings at the Waimanalo Research Station.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds infrastructure maintenance at UH Waimanalo Research Station, directly supporting higher education operations and facility upkeep for university research and teaching activities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 628: RELATING TO TAXATION.

Increases the general excise tax by 1%. Establishes the teacher salary special fund within the Department of Education. Requires that increased general excise tax revenues be deposited into the teacher salary special fund and the school facilities special fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases general excise tax to fund teacher salaries and school facilities, directly allocating tax revenue to public education programs.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationIncreases excise tax to fund teacher salaries and school facilities via dedicated special funds, directly advancing education funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax State Budget Teachers

Track

passed both · Hawaii · House Apr 2, 2026

HB 429: RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING.

HB 429 allocates state funds to hire teachers and teacher assistants and purchase equipment and services for public preschool programs. It directly affects public preschools by providing resources to improve staffing levels and facility capabilities. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2050, after legislative approval. The measure passed committee with amendments in February 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAllocates state funds for preschool teacher hiring, equipment, and services to improve staffing/facility capabilities, directly advancing early education access and resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Teachers

Track

in committee · Hawaii · Senate Dec 8, 2025

SB 790: RELATING TO SCHOOLS.

Requires the Department of Education to establish a food waste composting pilot project at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. Appropriates moneys.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill appropriates funds for a school-based composting pilot project, directly funding a K-12 school operational initiative under education policy.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Hawaii · House Dec 8, 2025

HB 856: RELATING TO THE COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES.

Appropriates funds for eight full-time agricultural technician, and four full-time coordinator positions at University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds staff positions at University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, directly supporting higher education infrastructure and operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Track