STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1159

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 133

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 133, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SURFING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Education to support the establishment of surfing as an interscholastic sport.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Governor's Sports Task Force, Office of the Mayor of the County of Kauaʻi, one member of the Kauaʻi County Council, Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School, Maui Interscholastic League, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Hana High and Elementary School, AccesSurf, a letter signed by eleven individuals, and twenty-seven individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that surfing is a significant cultural export of the State. Popularized by legendary athletes and popular culture, surfing is synonymous with Hawaii. While one athletic league has sanctioned surfing as a sport, there are few resources for schools to support athletic programs for students interested in surfing. Increasing support for surfing will allow more students to learn sportsmanship, experience a competitive environment, and develop strong ocean safety skills. Accordingly, this measure offers students the opportunity to participate in surfing as an interscholastic sport while continuing the legacy of surfing perpetuated statewide.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, 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. 133, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 133, 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