HI SR174

Requests the Department of Education to convene a working group to identify factors and resources needed to sustain current and future robotics programs in Hawaii public schools.

Working group must evaluate the current state of robotics education from kindergarten through post-secondary, identify barriers and success factors, assess resource needs, and track student participation's impact on college and career readiness.

Working group must explore opportunities for Hawaii to host national and international scholastic robotics competitions and exchange programs with Pacific Rim partners to promote technology-based tourism.

Requires working group membership from Department of Education STEM specialists, University of Hawaii College of Engineering, national robotics program coordinators (FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, underwater ROV, drones), Hawaii Tourism Authority, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, Office of Aerospace Development, and classroom teachers from all islands.

Requires working group to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.