Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR189

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Law Enforcement To Collaborate On Ensuring Safety At Public Elementary School And State Prekindergarten Program Campuses.

Impact

The proposed collaboration aims to establish a memorandum of understanding that would designate sheriffs to serve at public elementary and prekindergarten campuses, particularly in the Campbell-Kapolei complex area. This step is generally seen as a crucial approach to bolster security personnel presence on campuses, fostering a safer learning environment. By integrating law enforcement resources within educational settings, the resolution seeks to proactively mitigate risks and respond effectively to potential safety threats.

Summary

Senate Resolution 189 (SR189) requests the collaboration between the Department of Education and the Department of Law Enforcement to enhance safety at public elementary schools and state prekindergarten campuses. The initiative arises from increasing concerns about school safety, particularly in light of several incidents in recent years that highlight the vulnerabilities of young children in assessing potential dangers. The resolution emphasizes that young children may not be equipped to identify unauthorized individuals on school grounds, which underscores the need for preventive measures to secure educational environments.

Contention

While the resolution seems to largely resonate with educators and parents concerned about child safety, there may be points of contention regarding the balance between security and the educational atmosphere. Some stakeholders might argue that an increased law enforcement presence could create an intimidating environment for students. Therefore, careful implementation of this collaborative approach will be necessary to ensure that the educational experience remains conducive to learning while also addressing safety concerns. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the allocation of resources and whether this initiative will lead to broader implications for school funding and community policing initiatives.

Companion Bills

HI SCR214

Same As Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Law Enforcement To Collaborate On Ensuring Safety At Public Elementary School And State Prekindergarten Program Campuses.

Similar Bills

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HI SCR214

Requesting The Department Of Education And Department Of Law Enforcement To Collaborate On Ensuring Safety At Public Elementary School And State Prekindergarten Program Campuses.

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