HI HR132

Encourages the Department of Education, complex areas, and charter schools to implement school-wide restorative justice practices in Hawaii's public and charter schools.

Recognizes that traditional suspension and expulsion methods do not improve school safety and contribute to lower graduation rates and increased juvenile justice involvement.

Identifies restorative justice as a values-based approach that builds relationships, enables dialogue, repairs harm, and creates equitable learning environments through community-building circles and restorative conferencing.

Notes that restorative justice practices can reduce problem behavior, improve school climate, and increase student achievement, attendance, and graduation rates.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be sent to the Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, and Chairperson of the State Charter School Commission.