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SCR 19

REQUESTING THE DIVISION OF AQUATIC RESOURCES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION TO DEVELOP AND PROPOSE A FRAMEWORK FOR A STUDENT CORAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorraine Inouye and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii lawmakers request agencies to develop a student coral stewardship program pairing education with reef restoration to build conservation awareness and ecosystem management capacity.

Resolution scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 04-16-26 9:00AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
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Bill Summary · SCR 19

Legislative bill overview

SCR 19 requests Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to partner with the Department of Education and the State Public Charter School Commission to create a student coral stewardship program. The bill directs these agencies to collaborate on developing educational initiatives that engage students in coral reef conservation and restoration efforts.

Why is this important

Hawaii's coral reefs face significant threats from climate change, ocean acidification, and coastal development, with ecosystem-wide impacts on marine biodiversity and local communities dependent on fishing and tourism. Involving students in stewardship programs builds environmental literacy, creates a conservation-minded generation, and can generate meaningful restoration work through educational engagement rather than relying solely on government resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding clarity: The resolution requests collaboration but doesn't specify funding sources, potentially placing unfunded mandate burden on already-stretched education and natural resource budgets
  • Implementation scope: Vague language about what the program should include leaves questions about whether this requires significant curriculum changes, field work commitments, or liability considerations for student participation
  • Educational priority: Some may question whether dedicating classroom time to coral programs diverts resources from other pressing educational needs, though others view environmental education as essential

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

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