STAND. COM. REP. NO.  746-14

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

RE:   H.B. No. 1551

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1551 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to create the Instructional Office of Hawaiian Studies to provide instruction to public school students on Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language and to oversee Hawaiian education programs in the public schools.  This measure also appropriates funds to establish the office.  

The Hawaiian Affairs Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Ka Lei Pāpahi‘o Kākuhihewa, and several individuals supported this measure.  The Board of Education, Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs commented on this measure.  

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1551 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair