RELATING TO CLIMATE EDUCATION.

SB2473

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2473

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to climate 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 in response to the
growing threat of climate change, the State has set standards and launched
initiatives to expand reliance on sustainable and efficient energy, including
setting a statewide benchmark of generating one hundred per cent of the State's
electricity through renewable resources by 2045 and establishing a goal for
statewide greenhouse gas emissions to be at least fifty per cent below 2005
levels by 2030.

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The legislature further finds that

climate change education is necessary to ensure that the next generation are
climate leaders.
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In 2024, Colorado
enacted a law to award a seal of climate literacy diploma endorsement to
students who complete certain courses and an experiential learning project.

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The
purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to establish a
climate literacy certificate program to provide students with an advanced
understanding of climate change through academic coursework and hands-on
learning.

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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:

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�302A-
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Climate
literacy certificate program.
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(a)
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The department shall establish a climate literacy certificate program to
prepare high school students in addressing the economic and social impacts of
climate change.

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(b)
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The department shall:

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(1)
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Establish
program requirements and approved courses that include the completion of:

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(A)
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At
least two approved courses with climate literacy standards; and

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(B)
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An
experiential learning project;

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(2)
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Issue a
certificate of completion to every student upon satisfactory completion of the
program; and

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(3)
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Submit to the
board and the legislature a report on the approved courses and data on the
issuance of program certificates.

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(c)
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The department may adopt rules pursuant to
chapter 91 for the purposes of this section.
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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 2026-2027 for the establishment of
the climate literacy certificate program.

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The sum
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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New statutory material is
underscored.

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SECTION 5.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Education;
Climate Change; Climate Literacy Certificate Program; Appropriation

Description:

Requires
the Department of Education to establish a climate literacy certificate program
to provide students with an advanced understanding of climate change through
academic coursework and hands-on learning.

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