Bill

SCR 233

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP INDOOR ATHLETIC COURTS AND GYMNASIUMS AT ELEMENTARY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 1 co-sponsor

Requests Hawaii DOE to develop plans for indoor athletic courts and gymnasiums at elementary schools, enabling year-round PE and multi-use activities regardless of weather.

Referred to EDU.

#departmentofeducation #indoorcourtsandgymnasiums

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Bill Summary · SCR 233

Summary of SCR 233 (Hawaii)

Overview

SCR 233 is a concurrent resolution in the Hawaii Legislature that requests the Department of Education (DOE) to develop plans for constructing indoor athletic courts and gymnasiums at elementary public schools statewide. The measure emphasizes the need for weather-resilient facilities to support physical education, athletics, and multi-purpose school activities. It is currently referred to the Committee on Education (EDU). The resolution reflects bipartisan intent to promote student health, safety, and enhanced school programming through improved facilities.

Bill Number: SCR 233
Title: REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP INDOOR ATHLETIC COURTS AND GYMNASIUMS AT ELEMENTARY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Type: Concurrent resolution
Introduced: March 7, 2025
Status: Referred to EDU (as of March 12, 2025)
Sponsors: CHANG (primary), FEVELLA (primary)
Related Legislation: SR 209 (companion)

Purpose and Intent

Acknowledge that physical education and athletic activities are essential to a well-rounded education.
Address Hawaii’s inclement or unpredictable weather, which complicates outdoor PE classes and activities.
Encourage DOE to ensure elementary schools have indoor gymnasiums and athletic courts to enable consistent physical activity and programming, regardless of weather.

Key Provisions

DOE is requested to develop plans for the construction of indoor athletic courts and gymnasiums at elementary public schools statewide.
In prioritizing development, DOE should consider factors such as:
- School size
- Student population
- Geographic location
DOE to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Education.

Scope and Effect

The resolution focuses on planning and development, not funding or mandatory construction.
No explicit appropriation or timeline for construction is provided in the text of the resolution.
Facilities would serve multiple purposes beyond PE and athletics (e.g., school assemblies, performances, other school-related events), broadening the potential impact on school life and community use.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: March 7, 2025
Referred to EDU: March 12, 2025
Status indicates ongoing consideration within the Education committee; as a concurrent resolution, it requires actions by both Senate and House to effect change, and does not itself authorize construction.

Affected Parties

Elementary public schools across Hawaii (potential future beneficiaries of indoor facilities)
DOE (Department of Education) and the State’s Board of Education (in coordinating planning)
Students, families, school staff, and local communities who would benefit from indoor, multi-use facilities

Additional Considerations

Being a resolution, SCR 233 signals legislative support and requests action but does not authorize funding or construction by itself.
If DOE develops the plans, potential next steps could include cost estimates, funding mechanisms, design standards, and implementation timelines, possibly leading to future appropriation requests or capital projects.