Bill > HB1496

This bill addresses several key provisions related to Hawaiian language education and governance. It establishes a new position of Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Program Complex Area Superintendent specifically dedicated to overseeing Hawaiian language immersion schools, which currently serve over 3,400 students across 29 public schools. The bill requires that at least one at-large member of the Board of Education be a proficient Hawaiian-speaking educator, practitioner, or scholar, to be selected from nominees submitted by the Senate President, House Speaker, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. It clarifies the purpose of the Hawaiian Language Medium Education Program, emphasizing that it should provide a complete educational experience through the Hawaiian language and integrate Hawaiian language and culture curricula from preschool to college levels. The legislation appropriates $200,000 to establish the new complex area superintendent position and an additional $75,000 to create a supporting secretary position. This bill is rooted in historical context, acknowledging the marginalization of the Hawaiian language since 1896 when English was mandated as the sole medium of instruction, and seeks to support the revitalization of ?Olelo Hawai?i (Hawaiian language) through targeted administrative and educational reforms.

Budget and Finance, Education, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1496&year=2025