HI HB1436

Establishes the Hawaii Civics Collaborative as a private nonprofit organization administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services, chaired jointly by the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House.

Collaborative membership includes the PACE Commission, appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice, Senate President, House Speaker, Superintendent of Education, University of Hawaii President, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairperson.

Creates a state civics program with educational courses, workshops, and learning opportunities focused on democracy's purpose, history, processes, and public engagement, incorporating the "Aloha Spirit" values.

Appropriates $250,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish two full-time civic education specialist positions in the Department of Education and $50,000 annually for civics programming through the Legislative Reference Bureau's public access room.

Adds coordinating a civics program guided by the Aloha Spirit as a statewide state function, with participants earning certifications and special designations providing preference in hiring, grants, and procurement from participating organizations.