Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 93 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to lower the compulsory education age from six years to five years, and to make kindergarten attendance mandatory.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Human Services, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and Blueprint for Change. The Department of Education (DOE) and one individual submitted testimony in opposition.

Your Committee finds that school readiness is an important issue facing the community, and beginning the educational process at an earlier age offers a better chance for a child's development and success, particularly for children from low income families.

Your Committee has also heard the concerns of the DOE regarding the impact on school facilities, personnel needs, and resources – financial and otherwise – if the attendance age is lowered to five.

Your Committee is strongly supportive of the public-private efforts to increase educational opportunities for Hawaii's young children. Your Committee also understands the dilemma facing the DOE in providing adequate resources and believes this warrants further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 93 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.