HI HB1234

Establishes a standards-based water safety education pilot program at an elementary school located within 1.5 miles of a swimming pool, delivered during school hours in partnership with a community organization

Curriculum must address 15 water safety competencies and align with state physical education and health education standards, focusing on water safety knowledge, risk-management skills, and aquatic survival skills

Drowning is Hawaii's leading cause of death for children ages 1-15, with the state having the second-highest resident drowning rate nationally; less than 2% of second graders have basic drowning prevention skills

Department of Education must submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by 20 days before the 2026 regular session

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027; effective July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)