HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2565
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to teachers.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that high-quality educators are crucial to the wellbeing of Hawaii's keiki and communities. As such, the legislature continues to strive towards attracting and retaining high-quality educators as well as further acknowledging their ongoing success.

The legislature further finds that addressing teacher recognition is critical to ensuring access to high-quality learning opportunities for all students in Hawaii.

The legislature therefore finds that providing a financial award for exemplary performance would help demonstrate further appreciation for their efforts.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide educators that are recognized by the legislature, during education week, in demonstrating excellence in teaching, leadership, and service with a monetary increase of five thousand dollars in their salaries for each year of recognition, subject to available funds.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of education to provide monetary awards of five thousand dollars for educators who are recognized in a given year by the legislature via a congratulatory document during education week for their accomplishments, excellence in teaching, leadership, and service.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DOE; Education Week; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to provide monetary awards to educators who are recognized by the legislature, during education week, for their accomplishments, excellence in teaching, leadership, and service.

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