HI SR152

Requests the Board of Education and Department of Education to establish an 11-member Climate Literacy Seal of Excellence Working Group to develop a framework for Hawaii public schools.

Working group membership would include education officials, secondary school teachers, curriculum specialists, a University of Hawaii climate science faculty member, environmental organization representatives, industry representatives, and two public high school students from different islands.

The framework would establish criteria for students to earn a diploma endorsement by completing advanced coursework and experiential learning focused on climate science, sustainability, and community resilience, modeled after a 2024 Colorado law.

Working group recommendations must address course sequences, project-based learning requirements, educator professional development needs, alignment with graduation requirements and career pathways, and phased implementation timelines.

Department of Education must submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation or budgetary requirements, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2027.