RELATING TO EDUCATION.

SB2687

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2687

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

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 existing statewide
public high school social studies curriculum does not sufficiently integrate
Asian American history, including the significant contributions of the 100th
Infantry Battalion during World War II.
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Despite the large percentage of Asian American residents in the State,
an underrepresentation of Asian American history in educational settings
contributes to marginalization and racial stereotypes.

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The
legislature further finds that integrating narratives from Asian American
history aligns with the state social studies content standards.
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Notably, History Anchor Standard 17, Change, Continuity,
and Contest and Content Standard SS.US.8.17.2 requires students to assess the
social, political, and economic transformation of the United States during
World War II.
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The 100th Infantry
Battalion was composed primarily of Japanese American soldiers and began its
training in the Territory of Hawaii.
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The
Battalion's narrative therefore can offer students an exemplary opportunity to learn
of their valor despite the discrimination they faced and engage with history
through a local and multicultural lens.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to:

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(1)
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Require the department of education to
implement a curricula plan that integrates the history of the 100th Infantry
Battalion into public high school social studies courses beginning with the
2027-2028 school year; and

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(2)
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Require the department of education to
implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program beginning
with the 2026-2027 school year.

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This
Act may be known and cited as the Hawaii 100th Infantry Battalion Curriculum
and Heritage Act.

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

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"
�302A-
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100th Infantry Battalion history; social
studies; curricula plan; public schools.
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(a)
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The department shall develop and, beginning
with the 2027-2028 school year, implement a statewide 100th Infantry Battalion
history curricula plan for public school students in grades nine through
twelve, which shall be implemented within social studies courses of study.

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(b)
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A minimum of
hours of instruction of the 100th Infantry
Battalion history curricula between grades nine through twelve shall be
required for each student prior to graduation from high school.

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(c)
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The 100th Infantry Battalion
history curricula shall include but not be limited to:

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(1)
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Studying the formation and
composition of the 100th Infantry Battalion, including its segregated status
and issues with historic anti-Asian sentiments;

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(2)
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Assessing the formation and
activities of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team;

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(3)
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Identifying the combat achievements
of the 100th Infantry Battalion, including its participation in notable battles
and receipt of decorations;

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(4)
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Evaluating the legacy and influence
of the 100th Infantry Battalion, including its role in the desegregation of the
armed services of the United States and contributions to Asian American
cultural heritage; and

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(5)
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Integrating local history into the
broader national context, including contextualizing the 100th Infantry
Battalion in Asian American history more broadly.

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(d)
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The department shall establish curriculum
guidelines and distribute information about appropriate curriculum materials to
each public school and make available in-service training programs based upon
instruction provided for and the curriculum guidelines established pursuant to
this section.

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(e)
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Public schools may utilize:

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(1)
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Any curriculum that complies with
the requirements of this section;

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(2)
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Programs made available by the
department or from alternative sources; provided that the programs are deemed
consistent with this section; and

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(3)
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Any appropriate public or private
materials, personnel, and other resources in developing and implementing the
program of instruction.

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(f)
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The department shall work in consultation
with organizations and individuals that provide educational expertise and
resources related to the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion to develop the
curriculum guidelines.

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(g)
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As used in this section:

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"100th
Infantry Battalion" means the decorated unit composed of second-generation
Japanese Americans activated June 12, 1942, that served in World War II
and exemplified loyalty, community, and sacrifice.

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"Asian
American history" means the contributions, collective resistance, and
achievements of Asian Americans throughout the history of the United States.

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"Cultural
heritage" means the traditions and histories shaping a community's
identity, including those specific to Asian American and Pacific Islander
groups in the State.
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SECTION
3.
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(a)
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There is established within the department of education a one-year 100th
Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within a select number of
public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year; provided that the
department of education shall select the participating public high schools
pursuant to the requirements of this section and available funding.

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(b)
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The department of education shall develop and
implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan for students in
grades nine through twelve at participating public schools.
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The curricula plan shall include the history
of the 100th Infantry Battalion, its role in World War II, and
contextualization of that information as it relates to Asian American history
in the United States.

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(c)
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During the course of the pilot program, the
department of education shall require the teaching of the 100th Infantry
Battalion history curricula plan to be included in existing social studies
courses required for each student.

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(d)
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The department of education shall submit a
report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation,
to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the
regular session of
2027.

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(e)
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As used in this section, "public
school" has the same meaning as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii
Revised Statutes.

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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:

DOE;
Public Schools; 100th Infantry Battalion; Asian American History; Curricula
Plan; Pilot Program; Report

Description:

Requires
the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion
history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.
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Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry
Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools
during the 2026-2027 school year.
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Requires a report to the Legislature.

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