HI SCR162

Requests the Department of Education to convene an 11-member shared decision-making committee to develop an action plan for establishing a K-12 Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) school in Kapolei.

Committee members would serve two-year terms and include the Superintendent of Education, principals from Kapolei schools, three Kaiapuni teachers, representatives from Leeward Community College/UH-West Oʻahu, and three community members including a parent.

Action plan would address facility planning, teacher recruitment and retention, curriculum development, and resource allocation, with a proposed phase-in starting with grades K-2 by the 2027-2028 school year.

Currently, 42% of students at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue in Honolulu commute from the ʻEwa and Waiʻanae areas, and Oʻahu has only three K-12 Kaiapuni schools, all located in Kāneʻohe or Honolulu.

Committee would submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 Regular Session, with the Department requested to allocate four faculty and one administrative position for the 2027-2028 school year.