Bill > SB178

This bill seeks to establish surfing as a more comprehensive interscholastic sport in Hawaii by appropriating $2,000,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Department of Education. The legislation recognizes surfing's significant cultural, social, and economic importance to Hawaii, noting that while surfing was approved as a high school sport in 2016, only one of five local athletic leagues currently sponsor surfing programs, which limits opportunities for students interested in competitive surfing. The bill highlights surfing's economic impact, referencing a 2010 economic study of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing that estimated $20.9 million in spending, and argues that expanding school surfing programs will help perpetuate the sport and continue attracting global tourists to Hawaii. By providing dedicated funding, the bill aims to support the development of more comprehensive surfing programs across Hawaii's high schools, recognizing the sport's deep historical roots in the state and its potential to provide additional athletic opportunities for students. The appropriated funds will be used by the Department of Education to establish and support surfing as an interscholastic sport, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=178&year=2025