HI HB2453

Appropriates $200,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to provide start-up grants for pre-opening public charter schools.

Grants must support new charter schools that address priority needs identified by the state public charter school commission, including schools in areas with overcrowded public schools or schools serving communities with low academic performance.

Directs the state public charter school commission to establish grant criteria and guidelines for distributing and using the start-up grant funds.

Recognizes that certain Department of Education schools, particularly on leeward Oahu and in the Kakaako community development district, are operating at or near-full capacity and struggling with overcrowding.

Effective July 1, 2050.