Bill > HB930

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Article X, Section 1 of the Hawaii State Constitution to explicitly require that the statewide public school system be "thorough and efficient". The proposed amendment aims to address longstanding educational challenges in Hawaii, including a significant teacher shortage (166 vacancies for the 2024-2025 school year), inequitable access to education highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate resources for special education and high-needs students, deteriorating school facilities, and limited culturally relevant education opportunities. Currently, the state constitution mandates the provision of a public school system but does not specify the quality of education. By adding the terms "thorough and efficient", the amendment seeks to establish a constitutional standard for educational quality, potentially providing a legal basis for improving educational resources, addressing disparities, and ensuring a more equitable educational experience for all students. If approved, the amendment would be placed on a ballot with the question: "Shall the Hawaii State Constitution be amended to require the statewide public school system to be thorough and efficient?" The change would take effect upon compliance with the state constitution's amendment procedures.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=930&year=2026