HB 253 Summary

• Establishes an instructional office of Hawaiian studies within the Department of Education to oversee Hawaiian language, culture, arts, and history instruction in public schools.

• Office assumes direct oversight responsibility for Hawaiian education programs established under Article X, Section 4 of the Hawaii State Constitution and the Hawaiian language medium education program under Chapter 302H.

• May provide assistance to public charter schools in delivering Hawaiian history, culture, arts, and language instruction if included in their curriculum.

• Requires the instructional office, Hawaiian education program, and Hawaiian language medium education program to be designated as separate budget line items in biennial and supplemental state budgets.

• Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 for the office to carry out its duties, effective July 1, 2013.