THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	165
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

urging the department of education to start high schools no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and elementary and middle schools no earlier than 8:30 A.m.

WHEREAS, all Hawaii keiki are entitled to a high quality education; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the first school bell ring no earlier than 8:30 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, early school start times are associated with students sleeping less, irritability, and fatigue; and

WHEREAS, students who lack sufficient sleep may experience difficulty paying attention in class, negatively affecting students' academic performance; and

WHEREAS, all but five public high schools begin their school days before 8:30 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, prioritizing adequate amounts of sleep for all students is one step to ensure positive student outcomes and academic success; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education is urged to adopt rules requiring that high schools start no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and elementary and middle schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to adjust state-provided bus routes and school meal service times accordingly; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Department of Education; High Schools; Middle Schools; Elementary Schools; Start Time