HI SB1188

Establishes the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program administered by the Department of Education to address teacher shortages in the Hawaii public school system, particularly in identified shortage areas.

Provides eligibility for stipend recipients who are enrolled at a University of Hawaii campus, qualify for Hawaii resident tuition, and are enrolled in a state-approved teacher education program.

Requires stipend recipients to teach in the Hawaii public school system for three to five years following completion of their teacher education program, with proportionate repayment obligations for each year not fulfilled.

Creates the Hawaii Teacher Stipend Program Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations and repayments from recipients who breach their teaching agreements, with funds used to support ongoing stipend payments and related costs.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for program establishment and implementation, effective July 1, 2017.