SB 2614: DOE; Veterans; High School Diploma
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-27
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-07-14: Act 240, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1342).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
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. (HD2)
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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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2614 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 2 |
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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 high school diplomas to qualified 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 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 for armed services veterans and other qualified persons. (a) The department may 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) As used in this section, a "qualified person" means any individual who:
(1) Was a resident of the Territory or State of Hawaii and was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into the armed services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted between:
(A) December 1, 1941, and September 2, 1945;
(B) June 1, 1950, and July 31, 1953; or
(C) August 1, 1964, and January 31, 1973;
while enrolled in a high school in the Territory or State of Hawaii; and
(2) 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.
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. (HD2)
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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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2614 |
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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 high school diplomas to qualified 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 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 for Armed Services veterans and other qualified persons. (a) The department may 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) As used in this section, a "qualified person" means any individual who:
(1) Was a resident of the State or the Territory of Hawaii and was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into the Armed Services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted between:
(A) December 1, 1941, and September 2, 1945;
(B) June 1, 1950, and July 31, 1953; or
(C) August 1, 1964, and January 31, 1973;
while enrolled in a high school in the State or the Territory of Hawaii; and
(2) 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.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2614 |
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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 high school diplomas to qualified 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 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 for Armed Services veterans and other qualified persons. (a) The department may 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) As used in this section, a "qualified person" means any individual who:
(1) Was a resident of the State or the Territory of Hawaii and was compulsorily or voluntarily inducted into the Armed Services of the United States or whose high school education was interrupted between:
(A) December 1, 1941, and September 2, 1945;
(B) June 1, 1950, and July 31, 1953; or
(C) August 1, 1964, and January 31, 1973;
while enrolled in a high school in the State or the Territory of Hawaii; and
(2) 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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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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| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 240, on 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1342). |
| Jul 14, 2026 | Act 240, 07/13/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1342). |
| May 5, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 814). |
| May 4, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 1, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fukunaga). Transmitted to House. |
| May 1, 2026 | Passed Final Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Received notice of reconsideration and Senate agreement (Sen. Com. No. 804). |
| Apr 30, 2026 | One Day Notice 05-01-26 |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Senate agrees with House amendments. Placed on the calendar for Final Reading on 05-01-26. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Reconsideration of action taken on 04-10-26 in disagreeing to the House amendments. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 564). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 517). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2012-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Morikawa. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 04-07-26 10:10AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 04-07-26. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 04-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1439-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN. |
| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Belatti, Iwamoto, Hashem, Ichiyama, Morikawa, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by PBS on Wednesday, 03-25-26 10:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 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 Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1293-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to PBS. |
| Mar 19, 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. |
| Mar 17, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Thursday, 03-19-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to EDN, PBS, FIN, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 272). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2898) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 03-03-26 10:17AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from EDU/PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2328) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in EDU were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Kidani, Fukunaga, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Hashimoto. |
| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in PSM were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Fukunaga, Lee, C., DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Hashimoto, Inouye. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU/PSM has scheduled a public hearing on 02-13-26 3:02PM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to EDU/PSM, WAM. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| May 1, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| May 1, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Mar 25, 2026 | The committee on PBS recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Public Safety |
Passed |
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| Mar 19, 2026 | The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
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| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
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| Feb 13, 2026 | The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs |
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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| Defense-State Liaison Office, Pacific Southwest Region | *** Support | Mar 18, 2026 |
| Department of Defense | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Hawaii Military Affairs Council | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Hawaii State Department of Education | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Office of Veterans Services | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| U.S. Defense-State Liaison Office, Pacific Southwest Region | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| United States Department of Defense | ** Support | |
| VFW Department of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2898
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2614
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2614 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified persons who did not receive diplomas due to interruptions caused by World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Education and Hawaii Military Affairs Council.
Your Committee finds that this measure will help to honor veterans and community members by recognizing their educational sacrifices in service to our nation.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2614 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2328
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2614
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Education and Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2614 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent 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 Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the United States Department of Defense, Department of Education, Office of Veterans Services of the Department of Defense, Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and five individuals.
Your Committees find that more than 70,000 residents of the State were not able to earn a high school diploma due to compulsory or voluntary military service during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Many other students also had their education disrupted by wartime practices, including internment. This measure would honor the bravery and sacrifice of the State's students during these wars.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Education and Public Safety and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2614 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Education and Public Safety and Military Affairs,
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________________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA, Chair |
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________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 2, 2026 | SB2614_HD2_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-02-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | SB2614_HD1_TESTIMONY_PBS_03-25-26_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2026 | SB2614_TESTIMONY_EDN_03-19-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | SB2614_TESTIMONY_WAM_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 13, 2026 | SB2614_TESTIMONY_PSM-EDU_02-13-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
49SEC
House Standing Committee on Public Safety
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Education
16SEC
House Standing Committee on Education
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
44SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
44SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs
Bill Author
