STAND. COM. REP. NO. 513

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1022

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 1022 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EARLY LEARNING BOARD,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Amend the composition and qualifications of the Early Learning Board to consist of individuals from each county, instead of from particular entities or types of providers; and

(2) Establish general qualifications for the members of the Early Learning Board appointed by the Governor.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Early Learning Board.

Your Committee finds that the Early Learning Board provides crucial input, direction, and oversight necessary for the Executive Office on Early Learning to achieve its statutory responsibilities. Representatives on the Early Learning Board are reflective of the diversity of the early care and education field across the State, providing unique and important input on how to best serve Hawaii's families and young children. However, your Committee notes that the early childhood education needs of each county are different and perspectives from each county allow the Early Learning Board to shape policy to provide quality education and academic preparation to all eligible children. Therefore, amendments to the composition and qualifications of the Early Learning Board are necessary to ensure both statewide and county early childhood education needs are addressed.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1022 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair