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HCR 107

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC FLEXIBILITY AND EQUITY FOR STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC AND AUTOIMMUNE ILLNESSES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Kong

Hawaii urges Department of Education to establish academic accommodations and flexibility for chronically and autoimmune-ill students to ensure equitable educational access and success.

The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Olds; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 4 Excused: Representative(s) Garrett, Kila, Muraoka, Souza.
#autoimmuneillnesses #chronicillnesses #departmentofeducation #support
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Bill Summary · HCR 107

Legislative bill overview

HCR 107 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's Department of Education to implement policies supporting academic flexibility and equity for students with chronic and autoimmune illnesses. The resolution calls for accommodations that allow these students to maintain educational progress while managing health conditions that may cause absences, fatigue, or other limitations.

Why is this important

Students with chronic illnesses often face barriers to traditional attendance and participation requirements, potentially leading to academic penalties despite genuine effort. Addressing this gap could improve graduation rates and educational outcomes for a vulnerable student population while signaling institutional commitment to inclusive education practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation cost and burden: Schools may argue that individualized accommodations for chronic illness students require additional staff, training, and resources without dedicated funding
  • Defining eligibility: Determining which conditions qualify and what constitutes appropriate "flexibility" could create disputes between families, medical providers, and schools
  • Academic standards concerns: Some stakeholders may worry that flexibility measures could dilute academic rigor or create perceptions of unequal grading/expectations compared to other students
  • Scope of authority: A resolution urges but doesn't mandate; enforcement mechanisms and accountability measures remain unclear

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

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