Bill > SB63

This bill aims to improve student health and academic performance by requiring all public elementary, middle, and high schools in Hawaii to start classes no earlier than 8:30 a.m., beginning with an unspecified school year. The legislation is based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which notes that early school start times are associated with reduced sleep, increased student irritability and fatigue, and potential negative impacts on academic performance. The bill will apply to public schools but not charter schools, and the board of education will have the discretion to grant waivers to schools under certain circumstances. The Department of Education will be responsible for adjusting state-provided bus and school meal schedules to align with the new start times. The bill notes that currently, almost all public high schools in Hawaii begin their school day before 8:30 a.m., and aims to address the potential negative consequences of these early start times by ensuring students have more time to get adequate sleep before beginning their school day.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=63&year=2026