STAND. COM. REP. NO. 176

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1515

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 1515 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Hawaii three to six out-of-school program;

(2) Create the Hawaii three to six out-of-school program special fund;

(3) Provide a single funding source to fund after-school programs included in the Hawaii three to six out-of-school program; and

(4) Appropriate funds for the Hawaii three to six out-of-school program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Kamehameha Schools, Hawaii Youth Services Network, Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance, Pacific American Foundation, Kū-A-Kanaka LLC, Kama‘aina Kids, and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that out-of-school programs can complement learning and expose students to the arts, culture, literacy, fitness, math, science, character development, and community service. However, many out-of-school programs offered by community organizations are expensive and often inaccessible due to the high demand for services driven by lack of out-of-school programming throughout the State. This measure provides support for out-of-school programs in the State to provide youth with a variety of educational out-of-school activities that build character and self-esteem.

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. 1515 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