STAND. COM. REP. NO. 72

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 508

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 508 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Education to establish and administer an ocean safety and stewardship education program for all fourth grade students.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Ocean Tourism Coalition. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that drowning is a leading cause of injury—related death for children in the State who are under fifteen years of age. Yet, the ocean is a vital and essential part of everyone's life in Hawaii. This measure will educate fourth grade students on how to stay safe while enjoying being in the ocean.

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. 508 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