SB 1631 Summary

• Establishes the Hawaii Civics Collaborative as a private nonprofit organization administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services, composed of PACE Commission members and appointees from the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice, legislative leaders, Superintendent of Education, University of Hawaii President, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chairperson.

• Directs the collaborative to coordinate a state civics program including educational courses, workshops on government processes, media literacy training, civic leadership development, and community improvement projects grounded in the values of the Aloha Spirit.

• Certifies completion of civics courses for employment and volunteer purposes, offering special designations for advanced program graduates who receive preference in hiring, grant applications, and procurement of services from participating organizations.

• Appropriates $250,000 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 a civics program through the legislative public access room.

• Designates civics program coordination guided by the Aloha Spirit as a statewide state function, effective July 1, 2025.