The bill amends Section 88-9 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, allowing the rehiring of retired teachers without them having to reenroll in the pension system or lose any associated benefits. This provision is intended to mitigate the challenges related to filling teaching vacancies, especially during periods of crises that may disrupt the normal educational process. Supporters of the bill are optimistic that enabling retired teachers to return to the classroom will help maintain continuity in education during difficult times.
Summary
House Bill 1736 aims to address the significant teacher shortage in Hawaii, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill permits licensed teachers who have recently retired to be reemployed in educational positions during a state of emergency and within twelve months after their retirement. With a notable number of educators leaving the profession—specifically 428 retirees during the 2020-2021 academic year—the legislation seeks to capitalize on the availability of these experienced professionals to ensure that the education system continues to provide quality learning opportunities for students in Hawaii.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 1736 seems largely supportive, especially among educational stakeholders who recognize the pressing need for qualified teaching staff in the face of increased retirements and potential health-related absences due to the pandemic. However, some may express concerns about the long-term implications of relying on recently retired educators and whether this might affect the opportunities for new educators entering the profession. Overall, the bill reflects a proactive approach to ensure that educational standards are upheld during emergencies.
Contention
While the bill addresses an urgent need, it has raised questions about the quality of education if schools become overly reliant on retired teachers who may not be accustomed to the current educational landscape post-COVID-19. There may also be concerns regarding the implications for the state’s pension system, as rehiring retired teachers could alter the financial dynamics for both the retirees and the state's retirement obligations. As such, discussions might focus on the balance between providing immediate solutions to staffing shortages and ensuring sustainability for future educational needs.
Provides CBT and gross income tax credits for certain deliveries of low carbon concrete and for costs of conducting environmental product declaration analyses of low carbon concrete.