Hawaii Senate Bill SR38

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/11/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct An Electrical Assessment Of Public Schools For Purposes Of Heat Abatement And Air Filtration Upgrades.

Impact

The successful implementation of SR38 would mean that schools would be better equipped to handle high temperatures through the installation of air conditioning units and air purifying devices. The Department of Education is expected to determine the electrical capacity of schools, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place for these upgrades. This initiative stems from prior appropriations made under Act 47, which aimed to fund heat abatement upgrades but has not fully addressed the needs of all schools, leaving over five thousand still requiring attention.

Summary

Senate Resolution 38 (SR38) requests the Department of Education in Hawaii to conduct an electrical assessment of public and conversion charter schools. The resolution is aimed at addressing issues related to extreme heat within classrooms, which can negatively impact student health and learning. With classroom temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees during certain periods of the school year, there is an urgent need for improvements in heat abatement and air purification systems to ensure a conducive learning environment for students.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SR38 may stem from funding and resource allocation for the proposed electrical assessments and subsequent upgrades. Critics might voice concerns over the feasibility and financial implications of implementing widespread changes across numerous schools. Additionally, prioritization of heat abatement and air purification may clash with other pressing educational needs within the state's public school system, leading to debate among lawmakers and stakeholders about the best route forward to improve student conditions.