HI SB2098

Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to contract with a qualified nonprofit organization to establish an aquatic safety education program for elementary school students during regular school hours.

Establishes one full-time equivalent position (1.0 FTE) within the Department of Education to administer the aquatic safety education program.

Declares that the appropriation will exceed the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025, citing the necessity to serve the public interest and address drowning prevention needs.

Addresses Hawaii's drowning crisis, noting that drowning was the leading cause of injury-related mortality for children between 2014 and 2018, with 96 percent of fatal child drownings occurring among resident children.

Takes effect on July 1, 2024.