HI SB178

Appropriates $2,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Department of Education to establish surfing as an interscholastic sport in Hawaii public high schools

Surfing was approved as a sanctioned high school sport by the Board of Education in 2016, but only one of five local athletic leagues currently sponsors surfing programs

The legislature cites surfing's cultural, social, and economic importance to Hawaii, noting the 2010 Vans Triple Crown of Surfing generated an estimated $20,900,000 in economic spending

Effective date is July 1, 2025