STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3389

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1894

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Education and Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1894, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Education to:

(A) Include the instruction of braille and provision of braille instructional materials under certain circumstances;

(B) Provide braille literacy support services;

(C) Cooperate with the Department of Human Services when requested to submit information necessary to maintain a register of the blind in the State;

(D) Provide comprehensive information about braille literacy services, assistive technology devices, and assistive technology services, including educational programming options; and

(E) Participate in the development of section 504 plans and individualized education programs; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Disability and Communication Access Board, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and ten individuals.

Your Committees find that braille literacy is foundational to educational success, employment, independence, and full community participation for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Promoting braille instruction, ensuring timely access to braille instructional materials, and supporting informed decision-making through section 504 plans and individualized education programs reflect a commitment to equity and long-term outcomes for students. Crucially, the effects of braille instructional materials and individualized education programs that help improve student literacy extend far beyond the classroom, with future implications for employment readiness and competitive, integrated employment. For example, research indicates that individuals who are braille literate experience better employment outcomes, higher earning potential, and greater independence. This measure requires the Department of Education to implement certain policies to improve braille literacy for students in the State to ensure better student outcomes both in the classroom and the workplace.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 31, 2055, to encourage further discussion; and

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

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1894, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1894, 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 Committees on Education and Health and Human Services,

________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair