HI HB2168

Requires the Hawaii Department of Education to establish a program to identify, enroll, and support students experiencing homelessness, including designating a state coordinator and six navigator positions for outreach, early learning, reengagement, transportation, Compact of Free Association support, and general assistance.

Each department complex area must designate a liaison responsible for implementing the program and coordinating with navigators, administrators, and service providers.

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to immediate enrollment in either their current geographic school or school of origin, regardless of missing documentation such as birth certificates, immunization records, guardianship records, or school records.

Establishes a dispute resolution process requiring immediate enrollment pending resolution of any disputes over eligibility or school selection, with written explanations of decisions and appeal rights provided to parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth.

Guarantees students experiencing homelessness access to transportation, free meals, preschool, extracurricular activities, and all educational programs, codifying federal protections in state law to ensure continuity regardless of future federal changes.