STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1468

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 66

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 S.C.R. No. 66 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A STATEWIDE FINANCIAL LITERACY CURRICULA PLAN FOR PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Education to develop and implement a statewide financial literacy curricula plan for public high school students.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Youth Services Network, Hawaii Bankers Association, Visa Inc., Hawaii Credit Union League, and two individuals.

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

Your Committee finds that financial literacy teaches fiscal responsibility and prepares students for lifelong financial well‑being. Financial literacy curricula teaches students how to save for large purchases, make investments, build generational wealth, reduce debt, protect assets, and achieve homeownership. While financial literacy is a critical skillset for people at all stages of life, many young adults are unprepared to handle the financial challenges associated with adulthood. As the State has one of the highest costs of living in the United States, ensuring Hawaii's public school students receive financial literacy education will help ensure more students remain in the State for their careers post-high school or college. Therefore, this measure prioritizes the incorporation of financial literacy to ensure Hawaii's students are prepared for twenty-first century challenges.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 66 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair