THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	191
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging the department of education to start high schools no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and elementary and middle schools no earlier than 8:30 A.m.

WHEREAS, all Hawaii keiki are entitled to a high quality education; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the first school bell ring no earlier than 8:30 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, early school start times are associated with students sleeping less, irritability, and fatigue; and

WHEREAS, students who lack sufficient sleep may experience difficulty paying attention in class, negatively affecting students' academic performance; and

WHEREAS, all but five public high schools begin their school days before 8:30 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, prioritizing adequate amounts of sleep for all students is one step to ensure positive student outcomes and academic success; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the Department of Education is urged to adopt rules requiring that high schools start no earlier than 9:00 a.m. and elementary and middle schools start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to adjust state-provided bus routes and school meal service times accordingly; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Education; High Schools; Middle Schools; Elementary Schools; Start Time