THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2687

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the existing statewide public high school social studies curriculum does not sufficiently integrate Asian American history, including the significant contributions of the 100th Infantry Battalion during World War II.  Despite the large percentage of Asian American residents in the State, an underrepresentation of Asian American history in educational settings contributes to marginalization and racial stereotypes.

     The legislature further finds that integrating narratives from Asian American history aligns with the state social studies content standards.  Notably, History Anchor Standard 17, Change, Continuity, and Contest and Content Standard SS.US.8.17.2 requires students to assess the social, political, and economic transformation of the United States during World War II.  The 100th Infantry Battalion was composed primarily of Japanese American soldiers and began its training in the Territory of Hawaii.  The Battalion's narrative therefore can offer students an exemplary opportunity to learn of their valor despite the discrimination they faced and engage with history through a local and multicultural lens.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the department of education to submit a report to the legislature on the statewide integration of local histories into existing social studies curricula at public schools; and

     (2)  Require the department of education to implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

     This Act may be known and cited as the Hawaii 100th Infantry Battalion Curriculum and Heritage Act.

     SECTION 2.  The department of education shall submit a report on its statewide integration of engaging educational curricula relating to local history into existing social studies curricula at public schools to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.  The report shall include but not be limited to an analysis of the statewide implementation in social studies curricula of content relating to Asian American history, cultural heritage, the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, and other historic conflicts that involved the participation of residents.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  There is established within the department of education a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within a select number of public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year; provided that the department of education shall select the participating public high schools pursuant to the requirements of this section and available funding.

     (b)  The department of education shall develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan for students in grades nine through twelve at participating public schools.  The curricula plan shall include the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion, its role in World War II, and contextualization of that information as it relates to Asian American history in the United States.

     (c)  During the course of the pilot program, the department of education shall require the teaching of the 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan to be included in existing social studies courses required for each student.

     (d)  The department of education shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     SECTION 4.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "100th Infantry Battalion" means the decorated unit composed of second-generation Japanese Americans activated June 12, 1942, that served in World War II and exemplified loyalty, community, and sacrifice.

     "Asian American history" means the contributions, collective resistance, and achievements of Asian Americans throughout the history of the United States.

     "Cultural heritage" means the traditions and histories shaping a community's identity, including those specific to Asian American and Pacific Islander groups in the State.

     "Public school" has the same meaning as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

 

Report Title:

DOE; Public Schools; 100th Infantry Battalion; Asian American History; Curricula Plan; Pilot Program; Reports

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature on the integration of certain content into existing social studies curricula at public schools.  Establishes a one‑year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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