Bill > SB529

This bill seeks to provide funding for the Hawaii Department of Education's Hoakea program, which is an innovative educational initiative designed to connect students with their cultural heritage and environmental stewardship through authentic learning experiences. The program, developed in partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, integrates core educational concepts like math, science, social studies, and literacy with cultural practices, indigenous knowledge, and community-based learning. The legislature highlights that the Hoakea program has already reached over 3,200 students and nearly 1,300 teachers, engaging more than 50 organizations across the state, and aims to expand its reach by securing additional funding. The bill recognizes the program's alignment with the department's strategic plan to prepare students to be globally competitive and locally committed, while also addressing the disproportionately high absenteeism and lower educational achievement rates among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. By providing funds for the Hoakea program, the bill seeks to create more engaging, culturally relevant educational experiences that honor indigenous knowledge, promote environmental awareness, and help students develop a stronger sense of place and community responsibility. The appropriation will support the program's expansion over fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with the goal of tripling student engagement in aina-based (land-based) learning opportunities.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=529&year=2025