HI HCR39

Urges the Department of Education to increase access to arts and cultural instruction in public schools across Hawaii.

Cites research showing arts education improves critical thinking skills, verbal achievement, spatial reasoning, collaboration, creativity, and intellectual inquiry in students.

References studies demonstrating that increased arts access reduces disciplinary infractions by 3.6 percent, improves standardized writing scores by 13 percent, and increases compassion measures by 8 percent.

Requires the Department of Education to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session detailing current arts and cultural instruction levels and recommendations for improving access in underserved areas.

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