STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2764

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2877

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. 2877, 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 require the Department of Education to establish a one-year student-authored book publication pilot program for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools.

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

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

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

Your Committee finds that innovative educational frameworks have the potential to improve educational outcomes. Your Committee further finds that a high-quality book publishing experience, in which students research, write, and publish original works, would strengthen student literacy, student voice, and culturally responsive learning. Accordingly, your Committee finds that the pilot program in this measure will help to advance students' literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills; support academic preparation for post-secondary education; and foster connections to culture and community.

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. 2877, 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