Hawaii Senate Bill SB355

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To Preschool.

Impact

To achieve these aims, SB355 mandates the School Facilities Authority to prioritize renovations and expansions of existing public school facilities to enhance pre-kindergarten capacity. It stipulates the necessity for a report to the legislature regarding existing facilities that may undergo renovation and the status of classrooms not currently in use. This could potentially maximize the usage of available resources and improve accessibility to preschool programs, thereby addressing the educational needs of at-risk children.

Summary

SB355 is a legislative measure aimed at expanding access to pre-kindergarten education in the State of Hawaii. The bill underscores the importance of early childhood education, positing that investments in this area yield significant societal returns—establishing that for every dollar spent on quality early education, society saves between four to eight dollars on remedial education, welfare, and criminal justice costs. The legislation comes in response to a commitment made in Act 46 (2020), which establishes a goal for complete enrollment of three to four-year-olds in preschool by 2032.

Contention

The bill is especially relevant in the context of the ongoing challenges surrounding the availability of high-quality early childhood education. Proponents argue that expanding access is essential for economically disadvantaged communities. Critics may contend that focusing on renovations instead of new facilities could lead to inadequate expansion in areas experiencing high demand, raising concerns about whether this approach can meet the benchmarks set forth for preschool enrollment. Additionally, significant investment of $200 million appropriated for these initiatives raises questions regarding long-term funding and sustainability if demand continues to grow.