HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2307
TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to subpart C of part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Kupuna program. (a)  The department shall establish and maintain a kupuna program that makes use of community expertise and invites kupuna into the classroom to teach Hawaiian language, culture, arts, and other skills in accordance with article X, section 4 of the Hawaii state constitution.  The department may incorporate any existing program that is substantially similar as a part of the kupuna program required under this section.

(b)  Each school shall have the authority to independently invite kupuna to act as cultural personnel resources on a voluntary basis both during school hours and as part of any afterschool program conducted on the school's premises.

(c)  The department shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purpose of this section."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Kupuna Program; Department of Education

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to establish and maintain a Kupuna Program to make use of community expertise to teach Hawaiian language, culture, arts, and other skills.  Permits individual schools to invite kupuna to act as cultural personnel resources on a voluntary basis.

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