STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2266

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2598

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2598 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Education for the purpose of hiring teachers in the areas of fine arts, Hawaiian and Polynesian studies and language, vocational education, and mentoring.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii State Teachers Association, Kamehameha Schools, and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

     Your Committee finds that a teacher shortage exists in many areas of education, including fine arts, Hawaiian and Polynesian studies and language, vocational education, and mentoring.  These areas of education are vital to the development of Hawaii's students, yet they are often de-emphasized in favor of other educational priorities.  This measure would provide resources for the Department of Education to hire teachers to provide greater educational opportunities to students in these areas of study.

     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. 2598 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair