STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3121

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1903

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1903, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to expand access of early learning programs to other state properties and public lands besides public school campuses.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Department of Human Services, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Executive Office on Early Learning, Early Learning Board, Special Education Advisory Council, Hui for Excellence in Education, Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network Speaks!, Kamehameha Schools, Early Childhood Action Strategy, and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that greater accessibility to early childhood education is a priority for the State. Presently, the Executive Office on Early Learning is authorized to operate early learning programs on public school campuses. However, other public properties may provide ideal spaces for early learning programs, expanding available inventory while offering more students with opportunities to enroll. This measure enhances the availability of early learning programs to provide the State's youngest keiki with educational opportunities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

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 H.B. No. 1903, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1903, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair