Bill Text: HI HB253 | 2013 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Department of Education; Hawaiian Education Programs; Appropriation ($)

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-02-01 - The committee(s) on OMH recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. [HB253 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2013-HB253-Introduced.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	253
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to education.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Hawai‘i experienced a grassroots movement to revitalize the native Hawaiian culture, which also led to demands for Hawai‘i-oriented courses in Hawai‘i's public schools and colleges.

     At the same time, proponents of the movement acknowledged a risk of losing native knowledge of the Hawaiian language, culture, and history permanently with many traditional kupuna being of advanced age and rapidly dwindling in numbers.  This prompted the 1978 constitutional convention to propose a Hawaiian education program that, upon approval by the voters, became article X, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution which, among other things, requires the State to promote the study of Hawaiian culture, history, and language and provide for a Hawaiian education program consisting of language, culture, and history in the public schools.

     The legislature further finds that there are concerns that the Hawaiian education programs in the public schools are disjointed, lack appropriate oversight, and are not provided adequate resources in order to meet the purpose and intent of article X, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     The purpose of this Act is to create the instructional office of Hawaiian studies for the purpose of providing instruction to public school students on Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language and to oversee Hawaiian education programs in the public schools.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Instructional office of Hawaiian studies.  (a)  There is established within the department an instructional office of Hawaiian studies for the purpose of providing instruction to public school students on Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language.  The office shall have direct oversight and responsibility for:

     (1)  All components of the Hawaiian education program established pursuant to article X, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution; and

     (2)  The Hawaiian language medium education program established pursuant to chapter 302H.

     The office may assist public charter schools governed by chapter 302D in providing instruction to students on Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language if these topics are part of the charter school's curriculum.

     (b)  The instructional office of Hawaiian studies, Hawaiian education program established pursuant to article X, section 4, of the Hawaii State Constitution, and the Hawaii language medium education program established pursuant to chapter 302H, shall be separate budget line items in the biennial and supplemental state budget."

     SECTION 3.  Section 302A-630, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

     "(d)  In determining additional benefits for teachers, staff, and administrators in Hawaiian language medium education, the department, in consultation with the instructional office of Hawaiian studies, may allow credit for practical experience."

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the instructional office of Hawaiian studies to carry out its duties and functions pursuant to this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 4 shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Department of Education; Hawaiian Education Programs; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes the instructional office of Hawaiian studies for the purpose of providing instruction to public school students on Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language.  Makes an appropriation for the instructional office of Hawaiian studies.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.