STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2144

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2288

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2288 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Education to establish a comprehensive dropout prevention strategy that includes research, planning, programs, grants, and supplementary instruction for students at risk of dropping out of school.

     This measure also appropriates funds to support the comprehensive dropout prevention strategy.

     Testimony in support of the measure was submitted by the Department of Education and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the dropout rate within the Department of Education has been approximately fifteen per cent over the past two years.  This figure presents a staggeringly bleak future for the many students who drop out of school, as they are faced with a multitude of disadvantages that directly impact their futures.  Your Committee further finds that the development of a strong economy is predicated on growing a local workforce to address all trade and professional needs throughout the State.  A great disservice is being done to these at-risk individuals, who can greatly improve their economic and socioeconomic futures by remaining in and graduating from high school.  This measure requires the Department of Education to establish a comprehensive dropout prevention strategy that includes programs, initiatives, and grants to reduce the dropout rate and assist and prepare at‑risk individuals for their futures in the community.  Your Committee believes that such an endeavor will not only benefit the many at-risk students in danger of dropping out of school, and their families, but also the community at large through the production of able, skilled, contributing members of society.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity and to reflect preferred drafting style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2288, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2288, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

____________________________

NORMAN SAKAMOTO, Chair