THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2069
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
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 the current length of each school day in Hawaii's public schools is an insufficient amount of time for Hawaii's students to receive a comprehensive educational experience.  The legislature further finds that when schools are forced to make cuts due to budgetary constraints, schools often reduce or eliminate instruction in important fields such as art, music, and physical education and limit the amount of time allowed for lunch and recess.  Mandating a seven-hour school day allows students to obtain a quality education each day they are in class and to experience a wide variety of learning opportunities.

     The purpose of this Act is to require all public schools, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, to implement a school day with a minimum of seven hours, which shall be used to provide a well-rounded educational experience with increased academic and multidisciplinary opportunities including instruction in art, music, and physical education, and sufficient time for lunch and recess periods.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A‑   Length of school day; public schools. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all public schools, including charter schools, shall implement a school calendar that provides for a school day of not less than seven hours that includes increased academic and multidisciplinary opportunities, including instruction in art, music, physical education, and sufficient time for lunch and recess periods."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 302B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302B-   Length of school day; charter schools. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all charter schools shall implement a school calendar that provides for a school day of not less than seven hours that includes increased academic and multidisciplinary opportunities, including instruction in art, music, physical education, and sufficient time for lunch and recess periods."

     SECTION 4.  Chapter 89, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§89-   Length of school day. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, no collective bargaining agreement shall contain provisions that would shorten the school day for public school employees to less than seven hours."

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Keiki Caucus; Education; Mandatory Minimum Length of School Day

Description:

Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, requires a minimum of seven hours per school day, including longer periods for lunch and recess.

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