HI HCR68

Requests the Board of Education to consider requiring physical education and health education courses for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Cites national physical education standards recommending 225 minutes per week of high-quality physical education for middle school students.

Notes that Hawaii currently does not require physical education or health education in intermediate or middle schools.

References 2015 Hawaii youth risk behavioral survey data showing only 34.9% of boys and 20.1% of girls in middle school meet physical activity recommendations.

Identifies middle school as the critical period to teach health education before students engage in risky behaviors such as experimenting with sex, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.