Bill > HB627

This bill seeks to enhance school safety in Hawaii by creating two new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within the Department of Education to implement comprehensive safety measures. These positions include a targeted violence prevention and threat assessment program manager, who will develop a statewide framework for assessing and managing potential threats, coordinate with homeland security and other organizations, and establish safety protocols across schools, and a fire safety and security technology program manager, responsible for planning and executing fire safety initiatives, ensuring schools pass annual fire safety inspections, and assisting with fire alarm system installation and maintenance. The bill recognizes the critical importance of proactively protecting schools and creating environments where students can learn without fear, and it appropriates funds from the state's general revenues to support these positions for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The legislation stems from the legislature's finding that state funding for school security is essential to protect students, teachers, and staff, and to promote academic achievement by reducing anxiety related to potential safety risks.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=627&year=2026