HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	86
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ALOHA-BASED CIVIC EDUCATION INITIATIVES IN HAWAII'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS, the "Aloha Spirit" is a unique cultural attribute of Hawaii, embodying the principles of kindness (Aloha Akahai), unity (Aloha Lokahi), humility (Aloha Haʻahaʻa), patience (Aloha Ahonui), and a deep sense of love and respect for others; and

WHEREAS, these values are enshrined in section 5-7.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which recognizes the Aloha Spirit as "the coordination of mind and heart within each person" and emphasizes cooperation, empathy, and understanding; and

WHEREAS, political polarization has intensified across the nation, creating significant barriers to constructive dialogue and civic engagement; and

WHEREAS, the principles of the Aloha Spirit offer a powerful framework for fostering respectful discourse, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving, which are essential skills for participatory democracy; and

WHEREAS, integrating the Aloha Spirit into civics education can help equip students with the tools to engage in political and social discussions in a manner that promotes unity and mutual understanding; and

WHEREAS, a comprehensive approach to civics education that incorporates the Aloha Spirit can empower students to become engaged citizens who approach governance and public service with empathy and integrity; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Education convened the Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force, at the direction of the Board of Education, to provide recommendations to the Board on strengthening and elevating civic learning, and to objectively measure knowledge, skills, and participation; and

WHEREAS, the Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force published its findings and recommendations on March 2024; and

WHEREAS, the findings and recommendations of the Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force are now informing strategic planning and implementation efforts within the Department of Education that will strengthen and elevate civic learning; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Education is requested to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on the implementation of aloha-based civic education initiatives in Hawaii's public schools, based on the recommendations made by the Department's Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026 on the implementation of the Civic Learning and Engagement Task Force's recommendations, including efforts to integrate the principles of the Aloha Spirit into civics education and any additional strategies to enhance civic learning in Hawaii's public schools; and

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

Report Title:

Aloha Civics Working Group; Civics Education; Department of Education