STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1846

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.R. No. 105

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.R. No. 105, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FREE AND RESPONSIBLE SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM AND ACTIVELY SUPPORTING AND HONORING THE FIRST AMENDMENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IN STUDENT PUBLICATIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support free and responsible scholastic journalism in Hawaii schools and ensuring that student journalists can exercise their First Amendment rights without unnecessary restrictions. The resolution addresses concerns about the use of student names and photos in school-sponsored media like yearbooks, newspapers, and other student publications.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Student Press Law Center and from several individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition from one individual.

Your Committee finds that supporting free and responsible scholastic journalism is essential for fostering critical thinking, free expression, and civic engagement among students. Honoring the First Amendment ensures that student publications can operate without undue censorship, encouraging a culture of transparency and accountability.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 105, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair