HI HR46

Requests the Department of Education to prioritize funding for air conditioning installation in schools on Hawaii Island that are regularly affected by vog (volcanic smog).

Establishes that vog poses significant health risks to students, including respiratory distress, asthma exacerbation, and airway irritation, with children being more vulnerable due to higher respiratory rates.

Notes that studies show a 17 percent achievement gap between cooled and non-cooled classroom environments on standardized tests, and that hot temperatures cause headaches, nausea, heat rashes, and heat exhaustion in students.

Indicates that energy-efficient cooling technologies (on-grid, off-grid, microgrid, and photovoltaic) could reduce air conditioning installation costs to approximately $6,000 to $8,000 per classroom.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Interim Superintendent of Education.