STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3646

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2412

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2412, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAUMA-INFORMED EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Education to establish a three-year pilot program for the development and implementation of a trauma-informed education program in the Castle, Kailua, and Kalaheo complex areas, based on the Nanakuli-Waianae complex area trauma‑informed education programs and report to the legislature; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Executive Office on Early Learning, Democratic Party of Hawaii Education Caucus, HawaiiKidsCAN, Hawaii Psychological Association, Gemas Consulting, and nine private individuals.

Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and other traumas can have a long-lasting effect on the cognitive development and physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Quality trauma-informed training for educators and school staff can enable schools to better support students to feel engaged at schools and connected with teachers and peers. This may result in improved behavior, fewer expulsions, and improvements in academic achievement. Your Committee finds that trauma-informed education will enable educators to provide students with seamless and accessible social, behavioral, and emotional support informed by evidence-based and developmentally appropriate child and family services.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2055, to encourage further discussion.

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 H.B. No. 2412, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2412, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair