HI HB1551

Establishes an office of Hawaiian education within the department of education, placed under the superintendent's office, to oversee Hawaiian history, culture, and language instruction in public schools.

Office gains direct oversight responsibility for the Hawaiian education program under Hawaii Constitution article X section 4, Hawaiian language medium education programs under chapter 302H, and Ka papahana kaiapuni.

Requires the department of education to allocate resources including personnel and fiscal support to develop curricula, standards, assessment tools, professional development, and community engagement strategies.

Mandates the department report to the legislature before each regular session on compliance with the Act and board of education policies 2104 and 2105; the 2015 report must include a statutory audit of chapter 302H and recommendations on codifying the office.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2014-2015 to establish the office and enable it to carry out its duties; effective July 1, 2050, except the appropriation takes effect July 1, 2014.