Report Title:

Physical education; public schools.

Description:

Requires physical education as a mandatory component of the public school education curriculum.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3043
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  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.

     The purpose of this Act is to help combat the growing problem of childhood obesity, and to promote long-term physical activity among Hawaii's public school students.

     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 and high schools. Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, the course of study in all public elementary, middle, and high 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, as follows:

(1) Forty-five minutes every school day for grades kindergarten through five; and

(2) Sixty minutes every school day for grades six through twelve;

provided that the physical education requirements shall not include recesses, lunch periods, and extramural, or extra-curricular activities.  Physical education shall include physical activity, nutrition education, and preventative health education.  The department of education is encouraged to meet the National Association for Sport and Physical Education content standards in developing and implementing a physical education program as defined in this section."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008, and shall apply to all public schools beginning with the 2009-2010 academic school year.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	BY REQUEST