Bill > HB1436

This bill establishes the Hawaii Civics Collaborative, a nonprofit organization administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services, to promote civic engagement and perpetuate the Aloha Spirit throughout Hawaii. The collaborative will be composed of representatives from various state agencies and organizations, including the PACE Commission, and will be chaired jointly by the Senate President and House Speaker. The bill aims to create a comprehensive state civics program that includes educational courses, workshops, and learning opportunities focused on understanding democracy, its processes, and public engagement practices. Key components include developing civics courses that can be used for employment and volunteer purposes, coordinating student and youth civic programs, and offering special civics designations for advanced program graduates. The bill appropriates $250,000 to establish two full-time civic education specialist positions within the Department of Education and an additional $50,000 for civics programming through the Public Access Room. By emphasizing the Aloha Spirit—a cultural value of mutual caring and respect—the bill seeks to address political polarization and provide a model for collaborative, values-based civic engagement that goes beyond traditional legal frameworks and encourages active community participation.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1436&year=2026