HI HB1562

Replaces terminology "exceptional children" with "student with a disability" throughout Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 302A and related sections to modernize language and clarify eligibility criteria.

Establishes certification requirements for educational interpreters serving deaf or hard of hearing students, requiring Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment certification, national registry certification, or Hawaii quality assurance credentials.

Requires the Department of Education to provide a statewide, flexible system of educational placement and special education preschool programs for students with disabilities beginning at age three until kindergarten readiness.

Clarifies that charter schools enrolling special education students must provide required services through their individualized education program team, with the Department of Education providing additional services the charter school cannot supply.

Expands charter school definitions to explicitly include authority over "special education" alongside curriculum, facilities management, virtual education, and personnel decisions; effective July 1, 2011.