HI HB2012

Establishes a two-year community literacy labs pilot program through the Department of Education in at least five communities near Title I-funded public schools, with required sites in urban, rural, and smaller county (under 500,000 population) areas.

Prioritizes communities with the highest rates of students reading below grade level, highest poverty concentrations, limited library/tutoring/broadband access, high English language learner populations, and students experiencing housing instability or foster care involvement.

Community literacy labs provide small-group or individualized reading instruction, evidence-based interventions, multilingual and culturally responsive materials, family literacy workshops, digital literacy tools, and free books for home libraries.

Allows staffing by licensed teachers, literacy specialists, educational assistants, trained tutors, university students in education programs, and qualified nonprofit partners, with potential partnerships including the Hawaii public library system, universities, Native Hawaiian education organizations, and housing authorities.

Requires interim and final reports to the legislature (by 2027 and 2028 sessions) covering participation rates, reading outcomes, family engagement, expenditures, and recommendations for program expansion; participation is voluntary and free to families.