STAND. COM. REP. NO.  225

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 1658

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1658 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to integrate traditional Hawaiian knowledge and techniques into Department of Education (DOE) curriculum by establishing a two-year traditional Hawaiian navigation pilot program in schools on the west coast of Oahu that also includes and coincides with DOE science, technology, engineering, and math programs, as appropriate.  This bill also appropriates funds for the pilot program.

     The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kamehameha Schools, and Waianae Hawaiian Civic Club supported this bill.  The Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies supported this measure with reservations.  DOE supported the intent of this bill.

     Your Committee finds that this measure is intended to improve the academic achievement of native Hawaiian students while at the same time revitalizing Hawaiian cultural practices.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1658 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Education.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

MELE CARROLL, Chair