HI SB819

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish a visiting international teacher license and define requirements for obtaining it to promote cultural and educational exchange.

Adds international teacher licensing as a new policy directive (item 7) under HRS Section 302A-802(c), alongside existing provisions for vocational teachers, out-of-state teacher reciprocity, and Hawaiian immersion program teachers.

Mandates the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board submit a report to the legislature by twenty days before the 2026 regular session on how to support international teachers in the state through the J-1 visa program.

Addresses the current classification of J-1 visa teachers as "emergency hires" requiring expensive additional examinations (exceeding $1,000) and ineligibility for hardship position compensation despite performing equal work.

Effective July 1, 3000 (note: effective date contains apparent clerical error).