Bill > HB1496

This bill aims to strengthen Hawaiian language education by establishing several key provisions. First, it creates a dedicated Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) program complex area superintendent position to provide centralized administrative oversight for Hawaiian language immersion schools. The bill also requires that at least one at-large member of the Board of Education be a Hawaiian language educator, practitioner, or scholar, to be selected from nominees submitted by the Senate President, House Speaker, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The legislation clarifies the purpose of Hawaiian language medium education as providing a complete educational experience through the Hawaiian language, integrating Hawaiian language and culture curricula from preschool to college levels. To support these changes, the bill appropriates $200,000 to establish a full-time complex area superintendent position and an additional $75,000 for a supporting secretary position. The bill is rooted in historical context, acknowledging the marginalization of the Hawaiian language since 1896 when English was mandated as the sole language of instruction, and seeks to support the revitalization of ?Olelo Hawai?i (Hawaiian language) through educational programming. The bill recognizes the importance of Hawaiian language education, noting that Native Hawaiians represent nearly 24% of the state's student population and that Hawaiian language immersion programs currently serve over 3,400 students across 29 public schools.

Budget and Finance, Education, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1496&year=2026