STAND. COM. REP. NO.  905

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2017

RE:   H.B. No. 498

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 498, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EARLY LEARNING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1)  Broaden the scope of the Early Learning Program to include early childhood development;

(2)  Expand the function of the Early Learning Advisory Board beyond an advisory capacity and amend the composition and powers of some board members;

(3)  Allow the Board to appoint and evaluate the Director of the Executive Office on Early Learning and address the qualifications and salary for the Director position;

(4)  Adjust the family income threshold that determines Program eligibility for "at risk children" and "underserved children" and set a priority for families with income below 250 percent of the federal poverty level; and

(5)  Require the principal and other school personnel to participate in an early learning introduction program prior to opening a public prekindergarten class in a school.

The Executive Office on Early Learning, State Public Charter School Commission, Special Education Advisory Council, Early Childhood Action Strategy, Kamehameha Schools, Early Learning Advisory Board, and a concerned individual supported this measure.  The Hawaii Children's Action Network submitted comments.

     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. 498, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair