Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR78

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Encouraging The Department Of Education To Expand The Hawaiian Immersion Program.

Impact

Despite the rising interest in Hawaiian language immersion, the resources allocated to support these educational programs have been declining. This trend poses challenges to maintaining the quality and availability of the Hawaiian immersion education, as one of the pressing issues identified is the shortage of qualified teachers to instruct in the immersion program. The resolution seeks to address these disparities by prompting the Department of Education to consider factors such as funding availability while expanding these educational initiatives.

Summary

Senate Resolution 78 (SR78) aims to encourage the Department of Education in Hawaii to expand the Hawaiian Immersion Program known as Ka Papahana Kaiapuni. This program provides education in the Hawaiian language from kindergarten through twelfth grade, aiming to connect future generations with traditional Hawaiian knowledge and cultural practices. Over the past decade, demand for this type of education has shown significant growth, with an increase of approximately 1,400 students enrolling in these schools.

Contention

Notably, the resolution encourages collaboration between the Department of Education and the Office of Hawaiian Education to create pathways for future teachers. It emphasizes the need to analyze data pertaining to enrollment and educational requirements across various districts in order to effectively implement the proposed expansions. The resolution raises critical questions about how to balance resource allocation for expanding curricula with the need for quality teaching staff, reflecting ongoing discussions in Hawaii about preserving and promoting the Hawaiian language and culture.

Companion Bills

HI HR24

Same As Encouraging The Department Of Education To Expand The Hawaiian Immersion Program.

Previously Filed As

HI SB1181

Relating To Hawaiian Language Immersion Education.

HI HB1242

Relating To Hawaiian Language Immersion Education.

HI HCR124

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI HB1203

Relating To Hawaiian Language Immersion Education.

HI HR120

Encouraging The Kawaihuelani Center For Hawaiian Language Of The University Of Hawaii At Manoa To Further Provide Learning Resources And Opportunities That Promote Hawaiian Language And Culture.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI SR152

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

HI HCR96

Encouraging The University Of Hawaii To Evaluate And Expand Its Current Mental Health Services For Students.

HI HR92

Encouraging The University Of Hawaii To Evaluate And Expand Its Current Mental Health Services For Students.

HI HCR142

Urging The Hawaii Tourism Authority And Department Of Transportation To Expand The Khea Airport Greetings Program To Display Keiki Art In All Neighbor Island Airports.

Similar Bills

HI HR24

Encouraging The Department Of Education To Expand The Hawaiian Immersion Program.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI HB1496

Relating To Education.

HI HR69

Encouraging The Hawaii State Department Of Education To Work With The Office Of Hawaiian Education To Create And Convene A Working Group To Establish A K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus In West Oahu.

HI HCR75

Encouraging The Hawaii State Department Of Education To Work With The Office Of Hawaiian Education To Create And Convene A Working Group To Establish A K-12 Hawaiian Immersion Campus In West Oahu.

HI SCR162

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene A Shared Decision Making Committee To Develop An Action Plan To Establish A K-12 Kaiapuni School In Kapolei.

HI SR153

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene A Shared Decision Making Committee To Develop An Action Plan To Establish A K-12 Kaiapuni School In Kapolei.

HI SCR52

Requesting The Department Of Education To Require One Year Of Hawaiian Language Instruction As A Graduation Requirement In Public Schools.