THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2069

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the department of education.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the department of education has experienced significant growth in the demand for Hawaiian language immersion education offered in Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools.  Over the past decade, enrollment has grown by approximately one thousand four hundred students.  However, resources dedicated to supporting Ka Papahana Kaiapuni education programming have consistently declined since 2008.  As outlined in the department of education's 2023-2029 strategic implementation plan, the department is taking proactive measures to address growing demand for Hawaiian language immersion education.  By acquiring and providing additional resources, the department of education can effectively monitor the academic success of all its students, including keiki enrolled in one of the twenty-two Ka Papahana Kaiapuni program schools statewide.

     The legislature further finds that as a part of Desired Outcome 1.1.4, action step 2, the department of education is mandated to develop a strategic plan for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni education during the 2023-2024 school year.  As part of the department of education's mandate, essential resources are required for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni program development, specifically individuals with the expertise in delivering classroom-level instruction to Ka Papahana Kaiapuni program students.  Additional expertise in pedagogy and curriculum development for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools is also needed to ensure qualified teachers and staff effectively deliver educational content.  Creating expertise is crucial to the continuation, expansion, and strengthening of the educational foundation of learning that leads to successful cultural, linguistic, and academic achievement for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni students.  Therefore, to provide quality educational opportunities for prospective and continuing Ka Papahana Kaiapuni students, additional positions will provide new Ka Papahana Kaiapuni program school sites and classrooms with the faculty necessary to facilitate daily student instruction, strengthening the overall educational foundation for Hawaiian language immersion education.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of education for the establishment of:

     (1)  Three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) Ka Papahana Kaiapuni curriculum specialist II positions; and

     (2)  Ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) Ka Papahana Kaiapuni classroom teacher positions. 

     SECTION 2.  In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent.  This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only.  The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

     (1)  The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

     (2)  The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,444,683 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment of:

     (1)  Three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) Ka Papahana Kaiapuni curriculum specialist II positions; and

     (2)  Ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) Ka Papahana Kaiapuni classroom teacher positions.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

DOE; Ka Papahana Kaiapuni; Positions; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education for the establishment of three full-time equivalent (3.0 FTE) curriculum specialist II positions and ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) classroom teacher positions for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.