STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1794-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 99

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. 99 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC FLEXIBILITY AND EQUITY FOR STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC AND AUTOIMMUNE ILLNESSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Education to support academic flexibility and equity for students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that students managing chronic and autoimmune illnesses may face intermittent medical absences and fluctuating capacity that can affect academic progress. Your Committee further finds that educational equity requires that students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses have fair access to rigorous learning and supportive school environments. Your Committee notes that the Department of Education has existing authority to provide guidance and encourage best practices that support equitable access to education without requiring additional funding. This measure urges the Department of Education to provide equitable access to education by supporting academic flexibility and equity for students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses.

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. 99 and recommends its adoption.

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

____________________________

JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair