HI HB2706

Appropriates $400,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2012-2013 to establish three permanent faculty positions and operating expenses for Hookulaiwi: Aha Hoona'auao 'Oiwi (center for Native Hawaiian and indigenous education) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as a condition of the appropriation.

Center will prepare qualified teachers for Hawaii's Department of Education Hawaiian language immersion programs, Title I schools with large numbers of Hawaiian children, and Hawaiian charter schools, as well as develop curricula grounded in Hawaiian language and culture.

Addresses critical teacher shortage in Hawaiian communities and underrepresentation of Native Hawaiian teachers by providing permanent infrastructure and faculty positions to expand an existing federal grant-funded teacher preparation and curriculum development initiative.

Takes effect July 1, 2012, with any unexpended funds reverting to the general fund at fiscal year end.