HB 1942: DOE; Public Schools; 100th Infantry Battalion; Asian American History; Curricula Plan; Pilot Program; Report

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the existing statewide public high school social studies curriculum does not sufficiently integrate Asian American history, including the significant contributions of the 100th Infantry Battalion during World War II.  Despite the large percentage of Asian American residents in the State, an underrepresentation of Asian American history in educational settings contributes to marginalization and racial stereotypes.

     The legislature further finds that integrating narratives from Asian American history aligns with the state social studies content standards.  Notably, History Anchor Standard 17, Change, Continuity, and Contest and Content Standard SS.US.8.17.2 requires students to assess the social, political, and economic transformation of the United States during World War II.  The 100th Infantry Battalion was composed primarily of Japanese American soldiers and began its training in the State.  The Battalion's narrative therefore can offer students an exemplary opportunity to learn of their valor despite the discrimination they faced and engage with history through a local and multicultural lens.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require the department of education to implement a curricula plan that integrates the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion into public high school social studies courses beginning with the 2027-2028 school year; and

     (2)  Require the department of education to implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

     This Act may be known and cited as the Hawaii 100th Infantry Battalion Curriculum and Heritage Act.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    100th Infantry Battalion history; social studies; curricula plan; public schools.  (a)  The department shall develop and, beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, implement a statewide 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan for public school students in grades nine through twelve, which shall be implemented within social studies courses of study.

     (b)  A minimum of       hours of instruction of the 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula between grades nine through twelve shall be required for each student prior to graduation from high school.

     (c)  The 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Studying the formation and composition of the 100th Infantry Battalion, including its segregated status and issues with historic anti-Asian sentiments;

     (2)  Assessing the formation and activities of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team;

     (3)  Identifying the combat achievements of the 100th Infantry Battalion, including its participation in notable battles and receipt of decorations;

     (4)  Evaluating the legacy and influence of the 100th Infantry Battalion, including its role in the desegregation of the armed services of the United States and contributions to Asian American cultural heritage; and

     (5)  Integrating local history into the broader national context, including contextualizing the 100th Infantry Battalion in Asian American history more broadly.

     (d)  The department shall establish curriculum guidelines and distribute information about appropriate curriculum materials to each public school and make available in-service training programs based upon instruction provided for and the curriculum guidelines established pursuant to this section.

     (e)  Public schools may utilize:

     (1)  Any curriculum that complies with the requirements of this section;

     (2)  Programs made available by the department or from alternative sources; provided that the programs are deemed consistent with this section; and

     (3)  Any appropriate public or private materials, personnel, and other resources in developing and implementing the program of instruction.

     (f)  The department shall work in consultation with organizations and individuals that provide educational expertise and resources related to the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion to develop the curriculum guidelines.

     (g)  As used in this section:

     "100th Infantry Battalion" means the decorated unit composed of second-generation Japanese Americans activated June 12, 1942, that served in World War II and exemplified loyalty, community, and sacrifice.

     "Asian American history" means the contributions, collective resistance, and achievements of Asian Americans throughout the history of the United States.

     "Cultural heritage" means the traditions and histories shaping a community's identity, including those specific to Asian American and Pacific Islander groups in the State."

     SECTION 3.  (a)  There is established within the department of education a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within a select number of public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year; provided that the department of education shall select the participating public high schools pursuant to the requirements of this section and available funding.

     (b)  The department of education shall develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan for students in grades nine through twelve at participating public schools.  The curricula plan shall include the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion, its role in World War II, and contextualization of that information as it relates to Asian American history in the United States.

     (c)  During the course of the pilot program, the department of education shall require the teaching of the 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan to be included in existing social studies courses required for each student.

     (d)  The department of education shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.

     (e)  As used in this section, "public school" has the same meaning as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOE; Public Schools; 100th Infantry Battalion; Asian American History; Curricula Plan; Pilot Program; Report

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.  Establishes a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year.  Requires a report to the Legislature.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.