Bill > SB610

This bill establishes a voluntary "Rounding Up for Teachers" program to help address teacher shortages in Hawaii by allowing utility customers to round up their water and electric bills to the nearest dollar or make a specific donation. The program will create a special fund within the state treasury to collect these voluntary contributions, which will be used to provide additional compensation for teachers. Electric utilities and county water supply boards will be required to add a line item on customer bills clearly indicating that the contribution is voluntary and will go directly to supporting teacher salaries. The bill notes that Hawaii has seen a significant reduction in unfilled teaching positions (from over 1,000 to 166) but remains concerned about future teacher shortages and retention. The contributions will be in addition to, not a replacement for, the Department of Education's existing budget. The program will be implemented in stages, with the bill taking effect on July 1, 2025, and the utility bill options becoming available on July 1, 2026. Any money collected will be tax-exempt and can be used for teacher salary increases or bonuses, subject to legislative appropriation.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=610&year=2025