Bill > HB1234

This bill requires the Department of Education (DOE) to establish a standards-based Water Safety Education Pilot Program in response to Hawaii's high drowning rates, particularly among children and youth. The pilot program will be implemented at an elementary school within 1.5 miles of a swimming pool and will be conducted in partnership with a community organization. The program will deliver water safety education during school hours, using a curriculum aligned with state physical education and health education standards, and will cover fifteen water safety competencies. The program's key objectives include developing students' water safety knowledge, safe behaviors, risk-management skills, and aquatic and survival motor skills. The legislation is driven by alarming statistics showing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one to fifteen in Hawaii, with less than two percent of second graders possessing basic water safety skills. The bill also requires the DOE to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature before the 2026 regular session, and includes an appropriation of funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the pilot program. The bill aligns with the United States National Water Safety Action Plan and the 2025 Hawaii Water Safety Plan, aiming to reduce drowning incidents through targeted education and intervention.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1234&year=2026