STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2577

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3262

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 3262 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require that the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board submit three nominees for its Executive Director to the Board of Education; and

(2) Require the Board of Education to appoint an Executive Director from the nominees on the list, subject to advice and consent of the Senate.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board.

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

Your Committee finds that robust oversight in the selection

process of the Executive Director of the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board is essential for the future of the teaching profession in the State. As the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board plays a critical role in the educational ecosystem, directly impacting all teachers statewide as well as new and upcoming educators entering the field, the Board's decisions on licensing and standards set the foundation for the quality of instruction in the State's classrooms. By ensuring that the Executive Director is thoroughly vetted by the Senate, this measure will ensure that the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board is led by a highly qualified professional dedicated to upholding the highest standards for the State's educators.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3262 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

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DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair