HB2048

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2048
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that students in our public schools are experiencing increased incidences of violence and bullying. Indeed, throughout the world, violence and killing are daily occurrences that adversely impact attitudes and environments in smaller communities, even our schools. The legislature further finds that efforts to combat the escalating violence in our schools has been recently addressed by this legislature in 2007, pursuant to house concurrent resolution number 55, which requested the department of education to conduct a study on the feasibility of integrating peace education into the public school curriculum and report back to the legislature with its findings on the issue.

One program that has met with great success in spreading the message of peace and assisting in conflict resolution is the second step program maintained by the Coalition for A Drug-Free Hawaii. Implemented in partnership with Kaewai elementary school, second step is a school-based violence prevention program that includes curriculum that teaches students to alter their attitudes, reduce impulsive and aggressive behavior, and increase their level of social competence. Parental awareness and involvement is a component of this program, which has been adapted for native Hawaiian individuals through work with the Kamehameha Schools' health, wellness, and family education section. The success of this program serves as an example for the positive effects of peace education for our youth.

Accordingly, the legislature remains committed to furnishing our students with the necessary tools to cope with issues of conflict and violence in their schools and everyday lives. The institution of peace education into the current public school curriculum will better equip our youth with the skills to resolve conflicts, prevent violence, and build greater character.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the incorporation of peace education into the current public school curriculum, including funding for counselor training, expansion of the peer education program, and the hiring of additional substance abuse counselors.

SECTION 2. 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 2008-2009 for the incorporation of peace education into the current public school curriculum, including funding for counselor training, expansion of the peer education program, and the hiring of additional substance abuse counselors.

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

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________