Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR46

Introduced
3/9/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Report Pass
3/31/22  
Refer
3/31/22  
Report Pass
4/7/22  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Prioritize Funding For Air Conditioning In Schools On Hawaii Island That Are Regularly Affected By Vog.

Impact

If adopted, HR46 could lead to increased safety and comfort for students in Hawaii Island schools, particularly in Kona and other regions heavily impacted by vog. The bill emphasizes the importance of air quality and temperature in educational settings, connecting these factors to students' educational performance. By promoting classroom air conditioning, the bill aims to address both health concerns and educational attainment, reducing the achievement gap between students in cooled versus non-cooled environments.

Summary

House Resolution 46 urges the Department of Education of Hawaii to prioritize funding for the installation of air conditioning systems in schools on Hawaii Island, particularly in areas frequently affected by vog, or volcanic smog. This bill underscores the significant adverse health effects that vog can have on students, particularly children, who are more susceptible to respiratory issues. These issues are exacerbated in classrooms that lack adequate temperature control, leading to uncomfortable learning environments and potential health hazards for students.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR46 appears to be supportive among educators and parents who emphasize the need for a safe and conducive learning environment. However, there may be concerns from budgetary perspectives, as prioritizing funding for air conditioning might divert resources from other educational needs. Overall, stakeholders seem to agree on the necessity of addressing air quality in schools, although discussions may revolve around implementation and funding logistics.

Contention

Notable points of contention discussed in relation to HR46 include the feasibility of funding such projects amid other educational priorities and the effectiveness of proposed air conditioning solutions. The bill references potential costs associated with installation, which range from $6,000 to $8,000 per classroom, prompting discussions about budget allocations. Some may argue over the effectiveness of air conditioning systems versus other potential solutions for improving indoor air quality and comfort in schools.

Companion Bills

HI HCR51

Same As Requesting The Department Of Education To Prioritize Funding For Air Conditioning In Schools On Hawaii Island That Are Regularly Affected By Vog.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR68

Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

HI SR56

Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.

HI SR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene The Erin's Law Task Force.

HI SCR200

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI SR176

Declaring That Bullying Is A Matter Of Statewide Concern; Requesting The Department Of Education To Update Its Rules And Policies To Address Bullying; And Requesting The Hawaii State Council On Developmental Disabilities To Convene A Task Force To Address The Bullying Of Disabled Children.

HI SCR205

Requesting That The "pledge To Our Keiki" Be Printed On The Reverse Side Of Each State Of Hawaii Plant And Animal Declaration Form.

HI SR181

Requesting That The "pledge To Our Keiki" Be Printed On The Reverse Side Of Each State Of Hawaii Plant And Animal Declaration Form.

HI HR78

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients Every Ten Years.

HI HCR94

Requesting The Department Of Human Services To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility Of Increasing The Medicaid Reimbursement Payment Rate For Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Homes And Expanded Adult Residential Care Homes For Medicaid Clients In 2032 And Every Ten Years Thereafter.

HI HCR190

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Plan For Adhering To School Counselor Best Practices.

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