HI HR99

Urges Hawaii's Department of Education to support academic flexibility for students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and type I diabetes, which cause unpredictable episodes of fatigue, pain, and hospitalization.

Encourages public schools to provide flexible attendance policies and assignment deadlines for students experiencing medically documented illness flare-ups.

Promotes consistent, non-punitive implementation of Section 504 accommodations to ensure students are not academically penalized during periods of illness beyond their control.

Addresses additional barriers faced by neighbor island students who must travel off-island for specialized medical care, calling for coordination between schools, students, and families during extended absences.

Notes that Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations experience higher rates of certain autoimmune diseases, making this particularly relevant to Hawaii's student population.