RELATING TO EDUCATION.

HB471

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

471

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to education
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that the
Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea, is a thriving democracy and one
of the United State's key allies with roughly thirty seven thousand United
States services members currently stationed along the Demilitarized Zone.
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South Korea's economy has grown to become the
eleventh largest globally and is now the seventh largest trading partner of the
United States.
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With a trillion‑dollar
economy, South Korea has strong economic ties with Hawaii.
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In 2024, Hawaii exported over $33,500,000 in
goods to South Korea, making it the State's largest market.
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Further, South Korean visitors contribute
approximately $275,000,000 annually to Hawaii's tourism industry.

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The
legislature recognizes the global influence of South Korean culture.
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The global popularity of K-pop, K-dramas, K‑beauty
and more has spurred unprecedented interest in learning the Korean
language.
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Nationally, approximately
eight million individuals are studying Korean and university enrollment in
Korean language programs across the nation has increased by nearly fourteen per
cent.
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Hawaii is home to the first Korean
language and culture center in the United States with the Korean Language
Flagship Center at the university of Hawaii at Manoa.
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In addition, Kalani high school, Moanalua
high school, and Salt Lake elementary have already implemented a Korean
language program and has seen great success, with students requesting
geographic exceptions to take these courses.

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The
legislature further finds that proficiency in the Korean language provides
tangible benefits, including enhanced career opportunities in business,
tourism, and international diplomacy.
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Early language education also has cognitive benefits, fosters
problem-solving skills, and equips students with the global perspective
necessary to thrive in an international world.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to:

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(1)
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Require the board of education to establish a
Korean language program; and

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(2)
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Appropriate funds for the Korean language
program.

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SECTION
2.
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The board of education shall
establish a Korean language program for public schools that shall be
implemented beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.
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The Korean language program shall, at a
minimum:

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(1)
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Expose students to the Korean language and
culture;

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(2)
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Prepare students for future careers and
economic development relating to the Korean language and culture;

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(3)
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Develop a structured curriculum, training for
teachers, and allocate resources for the Korean language program;

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(4)
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Implement innovative and immersive techniques
to teach Korean language and culture using Korean music, stories, and dance;
and

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(5)
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Research successful models from other schools
to ensure effective instruction.

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SECTION
3.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of
$ or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so
much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the Korean
language program.

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The sums

appropriated shall be expended by the
department of education for the purposes of this Act.

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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

BOE;
Korean Language Program; Appropriation

Description:

Requires
the Board of Education to establish a Korean language program.
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Appropriates funds.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.