HI SR127

Urges the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to convene a task force to research and develop a plan to expand access to chess as a competitive sport in Hawaii.

Requests the Department of Education to collaborate with Hawaii chess organizations to expand chess access in public schools as a learning, development, and collaboration tool.

Establishes a five-member task force including the Executive Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (as chair), representatives from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Education, Hawaii High School Athletic Association, and a nonprofit chess organization.

Requires the task force to submit a report with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

Identifies chess as a strategy game with mental health benefits that promotes critical thinking, mathematical skills, pattern recognition, and logical thinking in students.