STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1865-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 15

H.D. 2

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.R. No. 15, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO DEVELOP A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to develop a Student Coral Stewardship Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's coral reef ecosystems are an integral part of the State's natural and cultural resources. Your Committee further finds that student‑centered educational initiatives can play a meaningful role in promoting public awareness and responsible practices related to coral reef protection. Your Committee believes that the collaboration between the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Education, State Public Charter School Commission, and interested students through the Student Coral Stewardship Program, as requested by this measure, will strengthen coral reef restoration efforts through education, outreach, and stewardship.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources to collaborate with the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to develop a Student Coral Stewardship Program rather than requesting the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission to collaborate with the Department of Land and Natural Resources to develop the Program;

(2) Requesting the Department of Land and Natural Resources, rather than the Department of Education and State Public Charter School Commission, to submit a report to the Legislature that summarizes their collaborative efforts;

(3) Adding additional findings regarding the Department of Land and Natural Resources;

(4) Amending its title in accordance with its amended purpose; and

(5) 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.R. No. 15, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 15, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair