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SCR 162

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO CONVENE A SHARED DECISION MAKING COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN TO ESTABLISH A K-12 KAIAPUNI SCHOOL IN KAPOLEI.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gabbard

The bill initiates a plan to establish a K-12 Kaiapuni Hawaiian language immersion school in Kapolei, including forming a 12-member SDMC to develop phased implementation and staffi

Reconsideration of action taken on 04-28-26 in disagreeing to the House amendments.
#departmentofeducation #kaiapunieducation #kapolei #shareddecision-makingcommittee
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Bill Summary · SCR 162

Summary of SCR 162 (2026) – Hawaii

Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 162 requests the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) to convene a Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) to develop an action plan for establishing a K-12 Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) school in Kapolei.
  • The resolution frames the effort as fulfilling constitutional obligations to promote ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi education and to preserve Hawaiian language and culture.
  • It acknowledges existing Kaiapuni programs and notes gaps in Kapolei and surrounding Ewa, Waiʻanae, and Waialua districts, where students currently must travel to access Kaiapuni education.

Key Provisions

Formation of the Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC)

  • The DOE is to convene a 12-member SDMC, serving two-year terms.
  • Committee composition:
    1. Superintendent of Education (or designee)
    2. Principals from relevant elementary, middle, and high schools (e.g., Nānākuli Elementary, Waiau Elementary, Kapolei Middle, Kapolei High) or their designees
    3. Three current Kaiapuni teachers (from Kapolei Middle, Kapolei High, and a feeder elementary Kaiapuni school such as Waiau or Nānākuli Elementary)
    4. Dual Chancellor for Leeward Community College and UH West Oʻahu (or designee)
    5. A professor or administrator from Leeward CC or UH West Oʻahu with education/teacher training experience
    6. Four community members
      • Two members from relevant community-based, school-based, or cultural nonprofit organizations
      • One parent of a current student at Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Kapolei
      • One parent of a current student in an elementary Kaiapuni program

Action Plan Requirements

  • The SDMC must develop an action plan outlining goals, objectives, and strategies to establish a K-12 Kaiapuni school in Kapolei, including:
    • Facility planning and site selection
    • Recruitment and retention of Kumu Kaiapuni (teachers)
    • Curriculum and instructional planning
    • Resource allocation policies
    • Projected statewide impact on existing Kaiapuni schools and programs
    • Recommendations to standardize and streamline establishment/expansion of Kaiapuni schools statewide
    • Any additional policies as determined by the SDMC
  • The plan must include a phased process for implementing Kaiapuni education at Kapolei, with specific grade-time milestones:
    • Phase-in to establish a permanent site for a K-12 Kaiapuni school in Kapolei by the 2027-2028 school year for kindergarten, first, and second grades
    • Add grades 3-6 by the 2028-2029 school year
    • Include middle school and high school once earlier grades are phased in

DOE Staffing Commitments

  • The DOE is requested to allocate:
    • Four faculty positions and one administrative position for Kaiapuni support in the 2027-2028 school year
    • Additional faculty and administrative positions in subsequent years based on enrollment and need in the ʻEwa, Waialua, and Waiʻanae districts

Reporting Timeline

  • The SDMC must submit its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2027.

Communications and Transmittal

  • Certified copies of SCR 162 to be transmitted to the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, the Dual Chancellor for Leeward CC/UH-West Oʻahu, and the Campbell-Kapolei Complex Area Superintendent.

Who Is Affected

  • Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) and its leadership
  • Kaiapuni educators and Kaiapuni students (present and prospective)
  • Kapolei-area families and communities in the ʻEwa, Waiʻanae, and Waialua districts
  • Higher education partners (Leeward Community College and UH West Oʻahu)
  • Public schools and Kaiapuni programs statewide (due to planning for potential standardization and expansion)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • SCR 162 is a concurrent resolution directing action rather than creating binding statute.
  • The SDMC is to be formed for a two-year term to develop the Kapolei Kaiapuni plan.
  • Phase-in plan targets specific school-year milestones (2027-2028; 2028-2029) and subsequent expansion.
  • A report with findings and any recommended legislation is due 20 days prior to the 2027 Regular Session.
  • The resolution has progressed through committee stages with amendments and is positioned for adoption in the 2026 session, signaling legislative support for the planning process.

Notable Context

  • Hawaii constitution and state education policy emphasize preserving ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and expanding Kaiapuni options.
  • Kapolei currently lacks a full K-12 Kaiapuni pathway, creating a need for a dedicated K-12 Kaiapuni campus in that area.
  • Local neighborhood boards in Pearl City, Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale, and ʻEwa have expressed support for establishing a K-12 Kaiapuni school in Kapolei.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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