STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2781

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2687

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2687, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to further integrate narratives from Asian American history into the State's social studies content standards.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Requires 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) Requires the Department of Education to implement in certain public high schools a 100th Infantry Battalion History Curriculum Pilot Program, beginning in the 2026‑2027 school year.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, and ten individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

Your Committee finds that, despite the large percentage of Asian American residents in the State, the existing statewide public high school social studies curriculum does not sufficiently integrate Asian American history, including the significant contributions of the United States Army's 100th Infantry Battalion during World War II. Your Committee further finds that integrating these narratives from Asian American history aligns with the state social studies content standards. Your Committee notes that the 100th Infantry Battalion was composed primarily of Japanese American soldiers who began their training in the Territory of Hawaii. Accordingly, your Committee finds that learning about the Battalion's service and valor may offer students an exemplary opportunity to engage with history through a local and multicultural lens, enrich students' social studies education, and demonstrate the importance of integrating diverse narratives.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2687, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair