STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1183

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.R. No. 132

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.R. No. 132 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, COMPLEX AREAS, AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT SCHOOL-WIDE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES IN THE STATE'S PUBLIC AND CHARTER SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to encourage the Department of Education, complex areas, and charter schools to implement school‑wide restorative justice initiative practices in Hawaii's public and charter schools.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from We Are One, Inc.; Hawai‘i Friends of Restorative Justice; and twelve individuals.

Your Committee finds that restorative justice is a values‑based approach to community building, problem solving, and conflict resolution that builds and restores relationships, creates opportunities for dialogue, repairs harm, transforms conflict, and creates equitable learning environments in schools. Studies have shown that restorative justice practices can lead to reductions in problem behavior, improvements in school climate, and increases in student achievement, attendance, and graduation rates. Your Committee believes that implementing restorative justice practices in state schools will create positive learning environments for students.

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 H.R. No. 132 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair