STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1572-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.C.R. No. 174

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 174 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LATER SCHOOL START TIMES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Education to conduct a study on the implementation of later school start times, to commence no earlier than 8:30 a.m., and the impact on student health and wellness.

Your Committee received testimony in support of the intent of this measure from the Department of Health. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the first school bell ring no earlier than 8:30 a.m. nationwide. Early school start times are associated with students sleeping less, irritability and fatigue, and difficulty paying attention in class, leading to poor academic performance. Your Committee further finds that all but five public high schools in the State begin their school days before 8:30 a.m. Your Committee believes that the concept of having schools statewide begin their school days after 8:30 a.m. may increase student academic performance and should be explored.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requesting the Department of Education to consult with the Hawaii State Teachers Association on any requests the Association may have regarding school start times in future bargaining contracts and include any requests in the study;

(2) Including the President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association as a recipient of a certified copy of this measure; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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.C.R. No. 174, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 174, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair