Requires the course of study for all elementary and middle schools include instruction in physical education for not less than 200 minutes every 10 school days; makes an appropriation to support the curriculum changes.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, schools and communities should promote physical activity among children and adolescents in an effort to counterbalance the genetic and behavioral risk factors young people are exposed to, which make them susceptible to higher rates of adult sickness and mortality. For example, the prevalence of obesity is at an all-time high among children and adolescents, which can lead to the development of life-long heart disease and diabetes, among other ailments. Physical activity has also been known to have a beneficial effect on the mental health of young people.

Many health advocates believe that adults acquire and establish patterns of health-related behaviors during childhood and adolescence. Thus, children who are encouraged to engage in regular physical activity in their youth are more likely to continue a pattern of physical activity in adulthood that can contribute to better overall physical health during their lifetime.

A recent study released by the California Department of Education revealed a direct relationship between academic achievement and physical fitness of California's public school students. According to the study:

In response to this study, the California Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin issued the statement: "This statewide study provides compelling evidence that the physical well-being of students has a direct impact on their ability to achieve academically. We now have the proof we've been looking for--students achieve best when they are physically fit."

The purpose of this Act is to reduce the prevalence of obesity and to promote greater physical health among children and adolescents in Hawaii by requiring all elementary and middle schools to include physical education instruction for not less than two hundred minutes every ten school days. This Act also makes an appropriation to support the additional resources that schools may require to implement the curriculum changes described in this Act.

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

"§302A-   Physical education requirements; elementary and middle schools. (a) The course of study in all elementary and middle schools shall include instruction in physical education, with an emphasis on physical activities that are conducive to the health and vigor of the body and mind, for not less than two hundred minutes every ten school days, exclusive of recesses and lunch periods.

(b) The department may grant temporary exemption to a student from courses in physical education if the student is:

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

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 2006-2007, to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall apply to schools beginning January 1, 2007.