HI HB1496

Establishes a new position of Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Program Complex Area Superintendent within the Department of Education to provide centralized administrative oversight for Hawaiian language immersion schools.

Requires at least one at-large member of the Board of Education to be a proficient Hawaiian speaking educator, practitioner, or scholar of Hawaiian studies or the Hawaiian language, selected from nominees submitted by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Clarifies that the Hawaiian Language Medium Education Program shall provide a complete educational experience through the Hawaiian language, integrating Hawaiian language and culture curricula from preschool through college levels.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to establish the Ka Papahana Kaiapuni complex area superintendent position and $75,000 for the same periods to establish a secretary position supporting the superintendent.

Takes effect July 1, 3000, with the Board of Education requirement to apply to the next at-large member vacancy regardless of when it occurs.