Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB11

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/16/25  
Report Pass
2/14/25  
Refer
2/14/25  
Report Pass
2/28/25  
Engrossed
3/4/25  

Caption

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

Impact

The introduction of SB 11 could lead to substantial changes in how public education is funded in the state. By focusing on equity, the bill seeks to amend existing statutes concerning educational funding formulas, ensuring that schools with higher percentages of low-income students receive necessary resources to improve educational outcomes. This could potentially increase funding for critical areas such as special education, after-school programs, and educational technology, particularly in communities that are currently underserved. Additionally, the bill's implementation would require monitoring to ensure that funds are effectively allocated and utilized according to the intended goals of equity and accessibility.

Summary

Senate Bill 11, often referred to as the Education Equity Act, aims to address significant gaps in educational funding and resource allocation among public schools in the state. The bill proposes a reevaluation of the current funding mechanisms, emphasizing the need for equity in distributing resources to ensure that all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to high-quality education. The aim is to create a more balanced system where schools serving underserved communities are prioritized for additional support. This is viewed as an essential step towards leveling the playing field for all students across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 11 has generally been supportive among education advocates and some legislators who believe in the necessity of equitable funding. Proponents argue that the bill is a long-overdue response to systemic inequalities in education that have plagued the state for years. However, there are concerns raised by opponents who believe that the bill may not adequately address the root problems of inequity and that it could lead to further complications in funding allocations. Discussions have highlighted the importance of accountability measures to ensure that the newfound focus on equity does not create additional bureaucratic hurdles.

Contention

Opponents of SB 11 argue that while the intentions of the bill are commendable, there may be unintended consequences that arise from reshaping the funding framework. Key points of contention include debates about how to define and measure 'equity' in education and whether the bill may inadvertently reduce funding for more affluent schools, which some believe could harm overall educational quality. The discussion among legislators has also touched upon the potential need for more comprehensive reforms beyond funding disparities, such as curriculum inclusivity and teacher support, to genuinely achieve equity in the education sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB3326

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

HI HB2766

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

HI SB2088

Relating To Vegetation Management.

HI HB1548

Relating To Vegetation Management.

HI SCR123

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.

HI SR105

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.

HI HCR148

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations Regarding Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations To Perform Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property For Purposes Of Wildfire Risk Mitigation.

HI HR127

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations Regarding Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations To Perform Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property For Purposes Of Wildfire Risk Mitigation.

HI SB3266

Relating To Vegetation Management.

HI SB2997

Relating To Public Utilities.

Similar Bills

CO HB1266

Local Government Utility Relocation in Right-of-Way

HI SB3326

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

HI HB2766

Relating To Vegetation Management Near Utility Lines.

HI SCR149

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define The Respective Obligations Of Property Owners, Lessees, Licensees, Permittees, And Holders Of Easements For Access, Utility, Or Other Purposes, For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

HI SR120

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define The Respective Obligations Of Property Owners, Lessees, Licensees, Permittees, And Holders Of Easements For Access, Utility, Or Other Purposes, For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

CT HB06471

An Act Concerning Tree Trimming By Utilities.

CA SB716

Land use: habitat restoration and enhancement: mitigation lands.

OH HB349

Authorize creation of natural gas pipeline incentive areas