HI HB439

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish a visiting international teacher license and criteria for obtaining it, aimed at promoting cultural and educational exchange between Hawaii and other countries

Addresses the disparity between Hawaii's public school student population (22.4% Filipino) and educator representation (7.4% Filipino) by creating pathways for international teachers

Currently 218 internationally certified educators, primarily from the Philippines, serve in 55 public schools statewide through the J-1 visa program

Eliminates the "emergency hire" classification for J-1 teachers, which currently requires additional exams costing over $1,000 and makes them ineligible for hard-to-fill position compensation

Requires the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to submit a report to the legislature by 20 days before the 2026 regular session on supporting international teachers through the J-1 visa program