Education legislation progresses to full House and Senate chambers

House and Senate conference committees in Hawaii are set to push forward several education-related bills this week, including a statewide registry to document and share school staff misdeeds, easing qualifications for teacher licenses, and providing more funding for Hawaiian immersion education.

However, a House bill aimed at promoting local food consumption in public schools has hit a roadblock. House Bill 2083, which would have required schools to work towards a goal of 30% farm-to-school meals by 2030 and implement a pilot program for plant-based meals, was deferred indefinitely after failing to reach an agreement during a conference committee.

Students from Mililani High School, who championed the bill, expressed disappointment at the setback. They highlighted the benefits of incorporating more local produce into school meals, promoting healthier eating habits, and supporting local farms.

On the other hand, Senate Bill 2257 aims to broaden qualifications for teacher licensing in Hawaii to address the teacher shortage by evaluating individuals with industry experience but lacking a degree. Additionally, SB 2475 seeks to create a “student harm registry” to prevent hiring school staff who have caused harm to students in the past.

Superintendent Keith Hayashi and the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board support the registry as a crucial step in maintaining safe learning environments for students. Punahou School President Michael Latham emphasized the importance of sharing information to prevent bad actors from moving between institutions.

Lastly, HB 2074 focuses on funding Kaiapuni education, Hawaiian language immersion programs, to meet the growing demand. The bill allocates funds for additional teaching positions to support the expansion and sustainability of these programs.

Overall, these education-related bills reflect a commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring the safety and well-being of students in Hawaii.