STAND. COM. REP. NO. 867

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 546

H.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 546, 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 amend the composition of the Early Learning Board to make a representative from Aha Punana Leo a standing member.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Executive Office on Early Learning, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Early Learning Board, one member of the Hawaii County Council, Puakalehua Early Learning Consortium, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, Kūpuna for the Mo‘opuna, Pūnana Leo o Hilo, Pūnana Leo o Waimea, Pūnana Leo o Kona, Pūnana Leo o Maui, Pūnana Leo o Lahaina, Pūnana Leo o Hāna, Pūnana Leo o Moloka‘i, Pūnana Leo o Mānoa, Pūnana Leo o Honolulu, Pūnana Leo o Ko‘olau Poko, Pūnana Leo o Wai‘anae, Pūnana Leo o Kaua‘i, ‘Aha Punana Leo ‑ Ke‘ena Kula Kamali‘i, Kanaeokana, Kaulanakilohana, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Early Learning Board is primarily tasked with the development of the State's early childhood system, which ensures a spectrum of high-quality development and learning opportunities for children throughout the State, from prenatal care until the time they enter kindergarten. Your Committee further finds that learning opportunities that promote the study of Hawaiian culture, history, and language are necessary parts to be included within the State's early childhood system.

Your Committee additionally finds that Aha Punana Leo is currently the only provider of Hawaii immersion statewide that offers programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This measure will allow Aha Punana Leo to sit as a member to develop and maintain the institutional knowledge and relationships necessary to ensure effective advocacy.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting a sunset date of June 30, 2031.

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. 546, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 546, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair