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.
If enacted, HR179 would mandate the establishment of guidelines for managing heat exposure across all department and charter schools in the state. This includes protocols pertaining to hydration, training for staff on recognizing symptoms of heat illness, and precautions for students with specific medical conditions that may affect their heat response. Furthermore, it encourages the identification of shaded areas within school properties to create a safer environment for outdoor practices, which is especially pertinent given Hawaii's climate.
House Resolution 179 (HR179) requests the Department of Education in Hawaii, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the State Public Charter School Commission, to undertake a comprehensive study on preventing heat-related illnesses among students during outdoor activities. The resolution highlights the rising air temperatures and increased humidity in Hawaii as significant factors that contribute to heat stress, particularly affecting younger students and athletes who are more vulnerable due to their developing bodies and lack of control over their activity conditions. This legislation aims to safeguard children's health during outdoor conditions that may pose a risk of heat-related illness.
The resolution draws attention to the absence of standardized guidelines addressing extreme heat conditions in Hawaii's schools, leaving students at risk. This study aims to address current gaps in practice and could lead to necessary legislative proposals based on the findings. However, potential points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of implementing such guidelines, training staff, and securing funding for the necessary infrastructural changes, as well as operational impacts on sports and outdoor activities for students.