STAND. COM. REP. NO. 685-18

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2018

RE: H.B. No. 2607

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Economic Development & Business, to which was referred H.B. No. 2607, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to promote computer science education in the State by:

(1) Requiring the Department of Education (DOE) to develop and implement a statewide computer science curricula plan for public school students in kindergarten through grade 12; and

(2) Allowing the DOE to enter into a contract or agreement with one or more entities to develop and implement computer science teacher development programs.

DevLeague Inc, HawaiiKidsCAN, Purple Mai‘a Foundation, Code.org, Women in Technology, Microsoft Corporation, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, and several individuals testified in support of this measure. DOE testified in support of the intent of this measure.

Your Committee finds that the importance of computer science is undisputed and that computer science and technology education should be embraced as ever increasing technological advances require individuals to have computer science skills. Your Committee also finds that development of computer science skills in students from kindergarten through grade 12 is critical to preparing these students for the 21^st century and beyond.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Business that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2607, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Business,

____________________________

CINDY EVANS, Chair