Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR82

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Encouraging The Department Of Education To Offer A Basic Swimming Course In Either Primary Or Secondary Education Levels.

Impact

The proposal acknowledges the socio-economic challenges many families face in Hawaii, including a high cost of living that can limit access to extracurricular activities such as swimming lessons. By promoting swimming education within the school system, SCR82 aims to provide equitable access to water safety training for all children. The underlying objective is to reduce the disparities in drowning incidents among different demographics, particularly among the youth.

Summary

SCR82 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that encourages the Department of Education in Hawaii to implement a basic swimming course at the primary or secondary education levels. The resolution is prompted by significant public safety concerns, particularly stemming from the alarming rates of drowning in the state. Hawaii has one of the highest rates of drowning deaths, and drowning is cited as the leading cause of death for children in the state. The legislation seeks to address these pressing issues through educational means.

Contention

While SCR82 seeks to enhance safety through education, there may be discussions regarding the implementation logistics, such as curriculum development, training of educators, and funding for these programs. Advocates for the measure argue it is necessary to create a culture of safety around water activities, while some may raise concerns about resource allocation and whether existing educational frameworks can support new courses effectively. Overall, the focus remains on improving child safety in the face of identifiable hazards in the state's aquatic environments.

Companion Bills

HI SR79

Same As Encouraging The State To Examine Requiring Automated External Defibrillators In All State-owned Buildings And Pursue Existing Automated External Defibrillator Programs.

HI HCR27

Same As Encouraging The Department Of Education To Offer A Basic Swimming Course In Either Primary Or Secondary Education Levels.

HI SR72

Same As Encouraging The Department Of Education To Offer A Basic Swimming Course In Either Primary Or Secondary Education Levels.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR233

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop Indoor Athletic Courts And Gymnasiums At Elementary Public Schools.

HI SCR66

Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Statewide Financial Literacy Curricula Plan For Public High School Students.

HI SCR89

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Convene A Working Group To Develop A Plan To Create An Educational Pathway In The University Of Hawaii Community College System To Equip Interested Students With The Necessary Entry Level Knowledge, Skill Set, Expertise, And Advancement Potential In The Field Of Meat Processing.

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 HCR86

Requesting The Department Of Education To Report On The Implementation Of Aloha-based Civic Education Initiatives In Hawaii's Public Schools.

HI SCR182

Encouraging The City And County Of Honolulu To Initiate A Summer Streets Pilot Program.

HI SCR27

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct An Audit Of The Department Of Education's Capital Improvement Project Finances.

HI SCR214

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Law Enforcement To Collaborate On Ensuring Safety At Public Elementary School And State Prekindergarten Program Campuses.

HI SCR195

Supporting And Encouraging A Broader Relationship Between The State And The Kingdom Of Sweden.

HI SCR196

Supporting And Encouraging A Broader Relationship Between The State And The Kingdom Of Norway.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.