HB 2298: DOE; Veterans; High School Diploma
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-02-06
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-10: Referred to EDU/PSM, WAM.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
Allows the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to veterans and others whose high school education in Hawaii was cut short by wartime service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Eligible people include those who were enrolled in Hawaii high schools during those wars, were drafted or volunteered for service, or had their schooling interrupted and never received a diploma.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2298 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to award a high school diploma to a qualified person who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into active service in the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- High school diploma; armed services veterans and other qualified persons. (a) The department is authorized to establish a program to award a high school diploma to any qualified person who:
(1) Did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into active service in the armed services of the United States during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War; or
(2) Did not receive a high school diploma and whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
(b) A qualified person seeking a high school diploma shall submit information establishing eligibility for the award of a high school diploma pursuant to subsection (a) to the department, on forms prescribed by the department.
(c) For purposes of this section, a "qualified person" means any individual who:
(1) Was enrolled in a high school in the State or the Territory of Hawaii between:
(A) December 1, 1941, and August 30, 1945;
(B) June 1, 1950, and July 31, 1953; or
(C) August 1, 1964, and January 31, 1973;
(2) Was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted; and
(3) Did not complete a high school curriculum and receive a high school diploma."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
DOE; Veterans; High School Diploma
Description:
Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2298 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to award a high school diploma to a qualified person who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into active service in the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding to part II a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- High school diploma for armed services veterans and other qualified persons. (a) The department is authorized to establish a program to award a high school diploma to any qualified person who:
(1) Did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into active service in the armed services of the United States during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War; or
(2) Did not receive a high school diploma and whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
(b) A qualified person seeking a high school diploma shall submit information establishing eligibility for the award of a high school diploma pursuant to subsection (a) to the department, on forms prescribed by the department.
(c) For purposes of this section, a "qualified person" means any individual who:
(1) Was enrolled in a high school in the State or the Territory of Hawaii between:
(A) December 1, 1941, and August 30, 1945;
(B) June 1, 1950, and July 31, 1953; or
(C) August 1, 1964, and January 31, 1973;
(2) Was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted; and
(3) Did not complete a high school curriculum and receive a high school diploma."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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BY REQUEST |
Report Title:
DOE; Veterans; High School Diploma
Description:
Authorizes the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to EDU/PSM, WAM. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 201). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Perruso, Sayama excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 960-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 03-03-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 531-26), recommending referral to FIN. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Belatti, Iwamoto, Hashem, Ichiyama, Morikawa, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Wednesday, 02-18-26 11:30AM in conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on PBS recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 02-18-26 at 11:30 AM. |
| Feb 11, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by PBS on Friday, 02-13-26 10:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on PBS with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 73-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to PBS. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Garrett, Kapela, Kila, Olds, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Thursday, 02-05-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Referred to EDN, PBS, FIN, referral sheet 5 |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 18, 2026 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
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| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| CARES | ** Support | |
| Defense-State Liaison Office, Pacific Southwest Region | *** Support | Feb 13, 2026 |
| Department of Defense, State of Hawaii | *** Support | Mar 3, 2026 |
| Department of Education | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Military Affairs Council | ** Support | |
| Office of Veterans Services | ** Support | |
| Office of Veteran Services | ** Support | |
| Office of Veterans Services | ** Support | |
| Office of Veterans Services | *** Support | Mar 3, 2026 |
| State of Hawaii | *** Support | Feb 13, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 960-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2298
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2298, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2298, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 531-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2298
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred H.B. No. 2298, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Department of Education to award a high school diploma to qualified persons who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
Your Committee finds that Act 101, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, which previously authorized the Department of Education to issue high school diplomas to World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans, as well as individuals whose schooling was interrupted due to military service or internment, was repealed in 2020. Your Committee further finds that this measure would authorize the Department of Education to resume awarding high school diplomas to the these individuals once again in recognition of their sacrifices during wartime.
Your Committee notes that the Department of Education indicated that no additional funding would be required to implement this measure, including the production of diplomas.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2298, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,
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____________________________ DELLA AU BELATTI, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 73-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2298
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 2298 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that compulsory induction into active service in the Armed Services of the United States and other wartime practices caused individuals to defer their educational goals and ultimately forego pursuit of a high school diploma. Your Committee further finds that authorizing the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to these individuals allows them to receive recognition and gratitude from the State for their wartime sacrifices to their country.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2298, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2298, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Public Safety.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,
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____________________________ JUSTIN H. WOODSON, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 3, 2026 | HB2298_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 13, 2026 | HB2298_HD1_TESTIMONY_PBS_02-13-26_.PDF |
| Feb 5, 2026 | HB2298_TESTIMONY_EDN_02-05-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
20SEC
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
52SEC
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
59SEC
House Standing Committee on Education
26SEC
House Standing Committee on Education
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):