Bill > HB1203

This bill addresses the lack of Hawaiian language immersion schools in the Leeward area of Oahu by appropriating funds to the Department of Education to establish a new K-12 immersion school. The bill recognizes that the Hawaii State Constitution requires promoting Hawaiian language, culture, and history in public schools, and notes that currently, the only such school on Oahu is located in Palolo, which creates significant hardships for Leeward area families. Many students must leave home extremely early and return late in the evening to attend the existing immersion school, which makes the program inaccessible for families who rely on children to help care for siblings or contribute to household responsibilities. The bill appropriates an unspecified amount of general state revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish the new school, with funds to be expended by the Department of Education. The legislation is intended to better fulfill the state's constitutional obligations and provide more equitable access to Hawaiian language immersion education for Native Hawaiian students in the Leeward area. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1203&year=2026