STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1789-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 161

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 161 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A SWIMMER CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Education to establish a swimmer classification framework for public schools.

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 swimming and water-safety skills are essential life skills that contribute to safety, health, and overall well-being. Your Committee further finds that clear and consistent standards for student swimmer classification can support student safety, appropriate instruction, and equitable participation in school-based aquatic activities. This measure requests the Department of Education to develop a swimmer classification framework to support safer participation in physical education, interscholastic athletics, outdoor education, and enrichment programs, while promoting equity in access to essential water‑safety skills.

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. 161 and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair