PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE X, SECTION 1, OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO REQUIRE THAT THE STATEWIDE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM BE THOROUGH AND EFFICIENT.

HB930

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

930

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

proposing
an amendment to article x, section 1, of the constitution of the state of hawaii
to require that the statewide public school system be thorough and Efficient
.

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 article X,
section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution requires the State to provide a
system of public education but makes no mention of the quality of the education
system that the State is obligated to provide.
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Compared to other states, Hawaii is unique because the State, rather
than a county or local level jurisdiction, is responsible for public education.
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While the United Nations has declared
education to be a fundamental human right because a quality education is a
critical asset for individuals and economies competing in today's globalized
world, Hawaii struggles to provide a quality education to all keiki.
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This struggle is evidenced by a teacher
shortage that stands at one hundred sixty-six vacancies as of the start of the
2024-2025 school year and decaying school facilities.

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The legislature
also finds that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted inequalities existing within
Hawaii's public education system, with socioeconomically disadvantaged
communities and impoverished families often lacking the resources needed to
participate in distance learning programs.
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Similarly, special education and high-needs students faced challenges in
accessing the resources needed to support their educational progress.
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While these problems were revealed by the
COVID-19 pandemic, they reflect and exacerbate longstanding disparities in the
State's public school system, including an ongoing teacher shortage, inadequate
resources for special education and high‑needs children, deteriorating
public school facilities, and a lack of culturally relevant education
opportunities for native Hawaiian students.

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The
purpose of this Act is to propose an amendment to article X, section 1, of the
Hawaii State Constitution to require that the statewide public school system be
thorough and efficient.
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SECTION
2
.
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Article X, section 1, of the Constitution of
the State of Hawaii is amended to read as follows:

"
PUBLIC EDUCATION

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Section 1.
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The State shall provide for the
establishment, support and control of a
thorough and efficient
statewide
system of public schools free from sectarian control, a state university,
public libraries and such other educational institutions as may be deemed
desirable, including physical facilities therefor.
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There shall be no discrimination in public
educational institutions because of race, religion, sex or ancestry; nor shall
public funds be appropriated for the support or benefit of any sectarian or
nonsectarian private educational institution, except that proceeds of special
purpose revenue bonds authorized or issued under section 12 of Article VII may
be appropriated to finance or assist:

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1.
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Not-for-profit corporations that provide
early childhood education and care facilities serving the general public; and

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2.
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Not-for-profit private nonsectarian and
sectarian elementary schools, secondary schools, colleges and
universities."

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SECTION
3.
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The question to be printed on the
ballot shall be as follows:

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"Shall
the Hawaii State Constitution be amended to require the statewide public school
system to be thorough and efficient?"

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SECTION
4.
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New constitutional material is
underscored.

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SECTION
5.
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This amendment shall take effect upon
compliance with article XVII, section 3, of the Constitution of the State of
Hawaii.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Education;
Public School System; Constitutional Amendment

Description:

Proposes
an amendment to article X, section 1, of the Hawaii State Constitution

to require that the statewide public school system be thorough and efficient.

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