Bill > HB333

This bill requires all public elementary, middle, and high schools in Hawaii to start their school days no earlier than 8:30 a.m., beginning with an unspecified future school year. The legislation is based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and findings that early school start times are associated with students getting less sleep, which can negatively impact academic performance, attention, and overall well-being. The bill allows the school board to grant waivers to schools under certain circumstances, but explicitly does not apply to charter schools. 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's purpose is to address student health and academic performance by ensuring students have the opportunity to get more sleep before the school day begins, noting that currently almost all public high schools in Hawaii start before the recommended 8:30 a.m. time.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=333&year=2026