HB 628: RELATING TO EDUCATION.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-01-31
Current Status:
Failed
(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons 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 establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons 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. |
628 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Act 124, Session Laws of Hawaii 2015, authorized the department of education to continue, until June 30, 2020, awarding high school diplomas to veterans who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory induction into active service in the armed services or any person whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices.
The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to award high school diplomas to persons 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 and any person 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, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- High school diploma; armed services veterans; persons impacted by wartime activities. (a) The department is authorized to establish a program to award a high school diploma to any person who:
(1) Was a resident of the State or Territory of Hawaii;
(2) While enrolled in a high school in the State or Territory of Hawaii was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into active service in the armed services of the United States 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; and
(3) Did not complete a high school curriculum and receive a high school diploma.
(b) The department may also award a high school diploma to any person whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
(c) Applicants shall submit to the department, on forms prescribed by the department, information establishing eligibility for the award of a high school diploma under this section."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Veterans; Armed Services; Wartime Practices; High School Diploma; DOE
Description:
Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons 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. |
628 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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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 Act 124, Session Laws of Hawaii 2015, authorized the department of education to continue, until June 30, 2020, awarding high school diplomas to veterans who did not receive a high school diploma as a result of compulsory induction into active service in the armed services or any person whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices.
The purpose of this Act is to authorize the department of education to award high school diplomas to persons 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 and any person 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, subpart C, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- High school diploma; armed services veterans; persons impacted by wartime activities. (a) The department is authorized to establish a program to award a high school diploma to any person who:
(1) Was a resident of the State or Territory of Hawaii;
(2) While enrolled in a high school in the State or Territory of Hawaii was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into active service in the armed services of the United States 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; and
(3) Did not complete a high school curriculum and receive a high school diploma.
(b) The department may also award a high school diploma to any person whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
(c) Applicants shall submit to the department, on forms prescribed by the department, information establishing eligibility for the award of a high school diploma under this section."
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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Report Title:
Veterans; Armed Services; Wartime Practices; High School Diploma; DOE
Description:
Authorizes the Department of Education to establish a program to award high school diplomas to persons who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the armed services and persons 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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| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to EDU/PSM, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 261). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Pierick, Ward excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1102), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Alcos, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Feb 26, 2025 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Wednesday, 02-26-25 11:00AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 25, 2025 | The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 02-26-25. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 02-25-25 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Sayama, Ward excused (3). |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 454), recommending referral to FIN. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Belatti, Iwamoto, Lamosao, Morikawa, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hashem, Ichiyama. |
| Feb 4, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by PBS on Friday, 02-07-25 9:30AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 3, 2025 | 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 Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Feb 3, 2025 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 42) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to PBS. |
| Jan 28, 2025 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 11 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Garrett, Kapela, Kila, Olds, Sayama, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Jan 24, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Tuesday, 01-28-25 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to EDN, PBS, FIN, referral sheet 2 |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | 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 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
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| Jan 28, 2025 | 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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| Department of Defense, State of Hawaii | *** Support | Feb 25, 2025 |
| Department of Education | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Military Affairs Council | ** Support | |
| Office of Veterans Services | ** Support | |
| Office of Veterans Services | *** Support | Feb 25, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1102
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 628
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 628, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
(1) Who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the United States armed services during certain time periods; or
(2) Whose high school education was interrupted due to wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
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. 628, 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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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 454
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 628
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred H.B. No. 628, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
(1) Who did not receive a diploma as a result of compulsory or voluntary induction into the United States armed services during certain time periods; or
(2) 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 compulsory or voluntary induction into active service in the armed services of the United States and the implementation of other wartime practices caused the interruption of many individuals' education. Your Committee further finds that the establishment of a program to award high school diplomas to these individuals recognizes their service and sacrifice.
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. 628, 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. 42
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 628
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 628 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education.
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. Your Committee further finds that the establishment of a program 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 changing the effective date to July 1, 3000.
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. 628, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 628, 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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| Feb 25, 2025 | HB628_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-25-25_.PDF |
| Feb 6, 2025 | HB628_HD1_TESTIMONY_PBS_02-07-25_.PDF |
| Jan 28, 2025 | HB628_TESTIMONY_EDN_01-28-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
29SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
