Bill > SB1181

This bill requires the Hawaii Department of Education to establish a comprehensive Hawaiian language immersion school (Kula Kaiapuni) in Kapolei, with a phased implementation plan from the 2025-2026 to 2028-2029 school years. The bill outlines a gradual expansion of the school, starting with kindergarten and first-grade elementary students and seventh through ninth-grade secondary students in 2025-2026, and progressively adding grades each subsequent year until a full kindergarten through 12th-grade school is operational by 2028-2029. The legislation is rooted in Hawaii's constitutional mandate to promote Hawaiian language and culture education, and aims to serve students in the Ewa, Waianae, and Waialua districts. The Department of Education is directed to secure a temporary site, allocate administrative and teaching positions, and provide per-pupil funding based on enrollment numbers of potential Hawaiian language immersion students. The bill includes an appropriation of funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the school's establishment, with a commitment to maintain or increase funding in subsequent years based on student enrollment.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1181&year=2026