SB1165

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1165
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
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 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. The legislature further finds that 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:

(1) Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness for each grade level measured (fifth, seventh, and ninth);

(2) The relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics than in reading, particularly at higher fitness levels;

(3) Students who met minimum fitness levels in three or more physical fitness areas showed the greatest gains in academic achievement at all three grade levels measured; and

(4) Females demonstrated higher achievement than males, particularly at higher fitness levels.

The purpose of this Act is to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity and promote greater physical health among Hawaii's children and adolescents by requiring all public 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. Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the course of study in all public 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. All elementary and middle school students shall participate in not less than two hundred minutes of physical education every ten school days, exclusive of recesses and lunch periods."

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 2007-2008, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009, to carry out the purposes of this Act.

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

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007, and shall apply to all public schools beginning with the 2008-2009 academic school year.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________