STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1083

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 1343

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1343, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Board of Education to adopt a policy that bans the use of cell phones and related devices by students during school hours.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Board of Education; Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawai‘i; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that cell phone use in schools disrupts student learning, reduces engagement, and impacts overall academic success. Furthermore, excessive screen time limits face-to-face interactions, which are essential for students' social and emotional development. This measure directs the Board of Education to establish a statewide policy prohibiting student use of cell phones and similar devices, such as smartwatches and wireless headphones, during school hours to foster a more productive, inclusive, and distraction-free learning environment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1343, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair