Directs the department of education to seek proposals for potential use of its vacant classrooms for early education programs offered by public, nonprofit or private entities. Appropriates funds.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes the importance of junior kindergarten, kindergarten, Head Start, preschool and other early education programs offered by public, nonprofit, and private entities. The purpose of this Act is to support early education by encouraging potential uses of vacant classrooms as possible early education facilities.

SECTION 2. The department of education shall aggressively seek or request proposals from public, nonprofit, and private agencies to use the department's available vacant classrooms for early education programs.

SECTION 3. 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, for providing facilities for early education programs.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.