Hawaii House Bill HB2623

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/26/24

Caption

Relating To Education.

Impact

The bill mandates the Department of Education to establish a full-time position to oversee the newly formed aquatic safety program. This provision aims to integrate aquatic safety training into the health and physical education offerings in public schools. Such training is essential as it will teach students vital skills such as swimming, floating, and water rescue, contributing significantly to the state's efforts in reducing drowning incidents. The introduction of this program is expected to provide equal opportunities for all children to acquire critical water safety skills, fostering a safer environment for youth both in and around water.

Summary

House Bill 2623 aims to enhance aquatic safety education among elementary school students in Hawaii. Recognizing the significant risk of drowning—identified as the leading cause of injury-related death among children in the state—the bill addresses the lack of aquatic safety training in schools. Currently, less than ten percent of public elementary schools include such education in their curriculum. As a response, the bill proposes funding for a contracted nonprofit organization to implement a standards-based aquatic safety program targeted primarily at children from low- and moderate-income families who lack access to swimming lessons.

Contention

Despite the perceived benefits of HB 2623, potential areas of contention may arise regarding funding allocations and the program's implementation. Critics may argue about the efficacy of contracting private organizations for educational programs within public schools and whether the proposed measures adequately address existing gaps in the educational system. The bill's requirement to exceed the state's general fund expenditure ceiling for the fiscal year 2024-2025 also raises questions about budget priorities, potentially prompting debates over the allocation of resources amid competing educational needs.