Hawaii House Bill HCR186

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/25/25
• Refer: 3/25/25
• Report Pass: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/4/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Health And State Public Charter School Commission, To Conduct A Study On The Practices Of Managing Heat Exposure In Department And Charter Schools To Protect Students' Health During Outdoor Activities.

Impact

The bill aims to protect student health by evaluating existing measures for managing heat exposure and proposing necessary changes. It suggests incorporating recognized standards, such as the wet-bulb globe temperature measurements, as a criterion for assessing heat stress. If deemed insufficient, the Department of Education, alongside other relevant bodies, is tasked with formulating guidelines that ensure student safety during outdoor activities across all schools in Hawaii.

Summary

HCR186 is a resolution introduced in the House of Representatives during the 33rd Legislature of Hawaii, which requests a comprehensive study to assess the current practices for managing heat exposure in both department and charter schools. The resolution highlights the urgent need for a systematic approach due to the rising air temperatures and high humidity levels that pose significant health risks to students, particularly during outdoor activities like sports and recess.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the necessity and feasibility of these guidelines. While the resolution highlights the importance of safeguarding children's health, there may be debates concerning the practicality of implementing new regulations, particularly those that require additional resources for monitoring temperature and hydration during outdoor activities. Some stakeholders may argue about the potential administrative burden this bill could impose on schools and whether current practices are adequate as they stand.

Implementation

Should the study reveal gaps in the existing practices, the Department of Education is expected to propose actionable guidelines that encompass various aspects of outdoor activity management, including hydration protocols, staff training on heat illness symptoms, and measures for students with medical conditions that may affect their heat regulation. The resolution also calls for an assessment of the long-term operational costs associated with any new guidelines, underscoring the bill's comprehensive approach to student health amidst rising temperatures.