HI SB2970

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's Ka Haka ʻUla ʻo Keelikōlani, Kahuawaiola indigenous teacher education program to collaborate with the Department of Education's Office of Hawaiian Education.

Establishes professional qualifications and develops training programs for Ka Papahana Kaiapuni program staff, who teach multiple subject areas through the Hawaiian language in public schools.

Requires equal funding distribution between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Recognizes Hawaiian as an official state language and acknowledges the Board of Education's policy 105-8 goal of ensuring Kaiapuni program professionals are qualified in both English and Hawaiian as mediums of instruction with appropriate compensation.

Takes effect on July 1, 2018.