STAND. COM. REP. NO. 347

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 422

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Education and Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 422 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Office of Veterans' Services, Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and four individuals.

Your Committees find that wartime impacts, including the military draft, interment, and the global political climate, affected many Hawaii residents during the twentieth century. Approximately 32,197 Hawaii residents were drafted into the United States military during World War II. Additionally, approximately 25,000 Hawaii residents served in the Korean War, while an additional 13,000 served in the Vietnam War. To honor the sacrifice of individuals who served in the military or were interred during wartime eras, Act 101, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, previously authorized the Department of Education to issue the Kupono diploma to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans whose education was interrupted due to military service or internment. However, the Department of Education's Kupono Diploma Program sunset in 2020. Therefore, this measure restores the ability for these veterans to receive diplomas and honors the legacy of Hawaii residents who defended and protected Hawaii and its allies.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Public Safety and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 422 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Education and Public Safety and Military Affairs,

________________________________ BRANDON J.C. ELEFANTE, Chair

________________________________ MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair