Requires the legislative reference bureau to conduct a study of the department of education's Hawaiian education program to identify concerns and issues regarding the delivery and implementation of the program.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is a need to conduct a study of the effectiveness of the department of education's Hawaiian education program.

The legislature finds that the Hawaiian education program is a mandate of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, article X, section 4, and is implemented in public elementary schools as a Hawaiian studies and language program to assist students to learn, understand, and appreciate Hawaiian language, culture, and history. The program utilizes a kupuna (elder) component, who is a community resource person with expertise in Hawaii's cultural heritage. The kupuna assist classroom teachers in the delivery of Hawaiian education program instruction. The Hawaiian education program is a viable part of the perpetuation of the native Hawaiian language and culture, and the board of education's support for the program is an integral part of the Hawaii content and performance standards.

The legislature further finds that many schools do not implement the Hawaiian education program in all grade levels, and the program curriculum is outdated and requires support and assistance by the department of education. A study would be helpful in assisting the department of education with the quality and consistency of delivery of the Hawaiian education program.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the legislative reference bureau to conduct a study of the department of education's Hawaiian education program to identify concerns and issues regarding the delivery and implementation of that program and submit a report of findings and recommendations to the legislature and governor before the convening of the regular session of 2007.

SECTION 2. The legislative reference bureau shall conduct a study of the department of education's Hawaiian education program that shall include, but not be limited to, the following topics:

If the legislative reference bureau is unable to conduct the study by itself out of available resources, it may work with independent consultants and other entities as the legislative reference bureau deems appropriate.

SECTION 3. The legislative reference bureau shall submit the study findings and recommendations, including any necessary proposed legislation, to the legislature and governor no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2007.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.