HI SB355

Requires the school facilities authority to prioritize renovating, improving, and expanding existing public school facilities and classrooms to increase pre-kindergarten student capacity, to the greatest extent possible.

Mandates that 50% of unserved children ages 3-4 have access to preschool enrollment by December 31, 2027, and 100% by December 31, 2032, with all such access provided through public preschool programs.

Requires the school facilities authority to submit a report to the legislature by 20 days prior to the 2024 regular session detailing renovated facilities, identifying facilities for future renovation, and estimating costs for expanding pre-kindergarten capacity.

Directs the Department of Human Services and Executive Office on Early Learning to collaborate on identifying geographic needs for child care and early learning, and to utilize public facilities including schools, libraries, and University of Hawaii locations.

Applies the $200,000,000 appropriation from Act 257 (2022) for pre-kindergarten expansion with a new requirement that the authority prioritize existing facility renovation over new construction when expending these funds.