REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A CLIMATE LITERACY SEAL OF EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK IN HAWAII PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

SCR161

THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

161

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING the board of Education and department of
education to establish a working group to develop a climate literacy seal of
excellence framework in Hawaii public schools
.

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WHEREAS, climate
change presents significant environmental, economic, cultural, and public
health challenges for the State; and

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WHEREAS, preparing
students to understand climate science, sustainability, resilience, and the
civic and workforce implications of climate change is essential to long-term
community well-being; and

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WHEREAS, in
2024, Colorado enacted a law to award a seal of climate literacy diploma
endorsement to students who complete certain courses and an experimental
learning project; and

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WHEREAS, Hawaii
should similarly establish a Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence to recognize
students who complete advanced coursework and experiential learning focused on
climate science, sustainability, and community resilience; now, therefore,

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BE IT
RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii,
Regular Session of 2026, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Board
of Education and Department of Education are requested to establish a Climate
Literacy Seal of Excellence Working Group to develop a framework for
implementation in Hawaii public schools; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to consist of eleven members,
including:

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(1)
�
The Chairperson of the Board of Education, or
the Chairperson's designee;

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(2)
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The Superintendent of Education, or the
Superintendent's designee;

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(3)
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One secondary public school science teacher to
be appointed by the Superintendent;

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(4)
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One secondary public school social studies or
civics teacher to be appointed by the Superintendent;

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(5)
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One Department of Education science curriculum
specialist to be appointed by the Superintendent;

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(6)
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One Department of Education career and
technical education specialist with experience in sustainability or green
workforce pathways to be appointed by the Superintendent;

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(7)
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One faculty member from the University of
Hawaii System with expertise in climate science or climate resilience to be
appointed by the President of the University of Hawaii;

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(8)
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One representative from a Hawaii-based
environment or climate research organization;

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(9)
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One representative from a workforce
development or sustainability-focused industry sector; and

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(10)
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Two public high school students, representing
different islands or complex areas, to be appointed by the Superintendent in
consultation with school leadership; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the working group is requested to develop recommendations that
include:

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(1)
�
A proposed course sequence or academic pathway
aligned with climate science and sustainability standards;

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(2)
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Experiential or project-based learning
requirements tied to community resilience, stewardship, or community-based
problem solving;

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(3)
�
Criteria for earning the Climate Literacy Seal
of Excellence;

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(4)
�
Professional development needs and
credentialling considerations for educators;

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(5)
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Alignment with graduation requirements, career
and technical education pathways, and civic education initiatives; and

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(6)
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A phased implementation timeline and resource
considerations; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a report of
the working group's findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation
or budgetary requirements to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to
the convening of the Regular Session of 2027; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the
Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and
President of the University of Hawaii.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

DOE;
Working Group; Climate Literacy Seal Framework; Public Schools