HI HR135

Urges the Hawaii Department of Education to officially recognize robotics as an interscholastic sport, joining states like Texas, Connecticut, Arizona, and Minnesota that have already done so.

Requests dedicated state funding for robotics programs, as many teams have been lost since 2009 due to insufficient resources, lack of mentors, and recent federal funding cuts.

Hawaii's robotics programs through FIRST and VEX Robotics currently engage more than 2,500 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

Directs the Department of Education to conduct an assessment determining the appropriate fiscal support needed to maintain robotics programs statewide.

Certified copies of the resolution would be sent to the Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent of Education, and Director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association.