Bill > SB388

This bill establishes a teacher loan program in Hawaii designed to address the state's chronic teacher shortage by providing financial incentives for educators to teach in hard-to-fill positions. The program will create a revolving fund that offers loans up to $5,000 to teachers who either relocate to Hawaii or accept teaching positions in rural areas or schools with critical staffing needs, such as special education or Title 1 schools. Teachers can have their loans fully forgiven if they become licensed in Hawaii and commit to teaching in the public school system for seven consecutive years. Eligibility will prioritize teachers who relocate to Hawaii or move to a different complex area within the state. If a teacher fails to complete the seven-year teaching commitment, they must repay the loan under terms determined by the department, with specified limitations on interest rates and repayment duration. The bill aims to address Hawaii's educational challenges by providing financial support to attract and retain qualified teachers in regions experiencing significant recruitment and retention difficulties, particularly given the state's high cost of living and low teacher salaries relative to other states.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=388&year=2025