Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR194

Introduced
3/16/26  
Refer
3/19/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/20/26  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Meet The Criteria Necessary To Officially Recognize Cheerleading As A Title Ix Sport In Hawaii.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution would significantly impact the classification and treatment of competitive cheerleading within the state's educational framework. By recognizing cheerleading as a Title IX sport, athletes involved would gain access to various resources, including certified coaching, training facilities, and safety measures that are typically provided for male-focused sports. Such an acknowledgment would serve to enhance the legitimacy of cheerleading as a competitive sport and promote gender equity in athletics, responding to the demand for equal opportunities in sports for all students.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR194 urges the Hawaii Department of Education to fulfill the criteria necessary to officially recognize competitive cheerleading as a Title IX sport in the state. This would involve developing specific guidelines and safety standards that align with the definitions and requirements set by the federal Office of Civil Rights. The resolution highlights the growth of competitive cheerleading as an organized and skilled athletic activity, comparable to other varsity sports, and advocates for equitable access to resources for high school athletes involved in cheerleading.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR194 appears largely positive, with support underscoring the importance of recognizing cheerleading as a legitimate and athletic endeavor. Advocates for the resolution argue that formal recognition would honor the dedication and talent of cheer athletes, thus encouraging more schools to support their cheerleading programs. The acknowledgment of cheerleading could also symbolize broader progress towards equitable treatment of women's sports in Hawaii.

Contention

While the resolution primarily garners support, there may be underlying contention regarding the implementation of such standards and guidelines. Critics may question the resources required for the Department of Education to effectively classify cheerleading as an interscholastic sport and ensure it meets safety and procedural standards. Additionally, there could be debates about prioritization of resources for cheerleading against other critical sports, which could lead to discussions about funding, support, and the overall structure of school athletics.

Companion Bills

HI HCR42

Same As Urging The Department Of Education To Meet The Criteria Necessary To Officially Recognize Cheerleading As A Title Ix Sport In Hawaii.

HI SR183

Same As Urging The Department Of Education To Meet The Criteria Necessary To Officially Recognize Cheerleading As A Title Ix Sport In Hawaii.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR75

Requesting The Department Of Education And University Of Hawaii To Assess The Criteria Required To Establish An Educational Pipeline And Curriculum To Ensure That Students Acquire The Necessary Skills In Advanced Manufacturing And Cybersecurity.

HI HR67

Requesting The Department Of Education And University Of Hawaii To Assess The Criteria Required To Establish An Educational Pipeline And Curriculum To Ensure That Students Acquire The Necessary Skills In Advanced Manufacturing And Cybersecurity.

HI SCR117

Urging The Safe Routes To School Advisory Committee To Collaborate With The Department Of Education, Department Of Transportation, And The County Of Hawaii To Conduct An Inventory Of Bus Stops On Hawaii Island Utilized By Children To Travel To School And Develop Strategies To Improve Safety At Each Location.

HI SCR142

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa Athletics Department's Use And Management Of Its Funds.

HI HCR89

Urging The State Of Hawaii And City And County Of Honolulu To Collaborate In The Development Of A World-class, Comprehensive Sports Complex In West Oahu.

HI HR85

Urging The State Of Hawaii And City And County Of Honolulu To Collaborate In The Development Of A World-class, Comprehensive Sports Complex In West Oahu.

HI SCR94

Urging The Hawaii Department Of Agriculture And Department Of Agriculture Of The County Of Maui To Take Further Meaningful Action To Address The Axis Deer Overpopulation.

HI SCR221

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.

HI SCR60

Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Develop A Plan To Produce Sufficient Housing To Meet The State's Demand.

HI SCR240

Urging The State Of Hawaii To Prohibit Certain Leases Of Public Land To The United States Department Of Defense.

Similar Bills

HI HCR42

Urging The Department Of Education To Meet The Criteria Necessary To Officially Recognize Cheerleading As A Title Ix Sport In Hawaii.

HI HR38

Urging The Department Of Education To Meet The Criteria Necessary To Officially Recognize Cheerleading As A Title Ix Sport In Hawaii.

HI SR183

Urging The Department Of Education To Meet The Criteria Necessary To Officially Recognize Cheerleading As A Title Ix Sport In Hawaii.

SC H5224

AC Flora Girls Cheer

NJ A676

Requires use of annual baseline concussion testing for student-athletes and cheerleaders in grades six through 12.

GA HR1039

Lovejoy High School Varsity Game Day Cheerleaders; winning the 2025 GHSA 5A Game Day State Cheerleading Championship Competition; commend

OH HR51

Honoring the Jackson High School competition cheerleading team as the 2025 OAC and OHSCCA State Champions.

MS SR90

Commend Pearl River Central High School Blue Devil Cheerleading Team for 2024-2025 National High School Cheerleading Championship.