Bill > SB201

This bill addresses the issue of students being mandated to attend schools outside their local service area, specifically in the Leeward district of Hawaii. The bill aims to gradually phase out the Department of Education's (DOE) practice of requiring students to attend schools outside their designated service area, with a focus on the Kapolei and Nanakuli school complexes. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, the DOE will be required to reduce the number of sixth-grade students mandated for out-of-service-area attendance, decreasing the percentage each year until the 2029-2030 school year, when only 20% of the 2024-2025 out-of-service-area attendance levels will be permitted. The bill modifies existing law to limit the circumstances under which students can be assigned to schools outside their service area, such as for Hawaiian language immersion programs, charter schools, or federal law requirements. The DOE must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing progress towards compliance and providing data on out-of-service-area student assignments. The legislative findings suggest that this approach will help address school overcrowding, improve student achievement, reduce stress on students and teachers, and maintain community and family cohesion.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=201&year=2026