SB 2687: DOE; Public Schools; 100th Infantry Battalion; Asian American History; Curricula Plan; Pilot Program; Reports

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 Territory of Hawaii.  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 submit a report to the legislature on the statewide integration of local histories into existing social studies curricula at public schools; 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.  The department of education shall submit a report on its statewide integration of engaging educational curricula relating to local history into existing social studies curricula at public schools to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2027.  The report shall include but not be limited to an analysis of the statewide implementation in social studies curricula of content relating to Asian American history, cultural heritage, the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, and other historic conflicts that involved the participation of residents.

     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.

     SECTION 4.  For the purposes of this Act:

     "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.

     "Public school" has the same meaning as defined in section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     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; Reports

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature on the integration of certain content into existing social studies curricula at public schools.  Establishes a one‑year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  (SD1)

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

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 Territory of Hawaii.  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.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2781

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2687

        S.D. 1

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. 2687, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to further integrate narratives from Asian American history into the State's social studies content standards.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Requires the Department of Education to submit a report to the Legislature on the statewide integration of local histories into existing social studies curricula at public schools; and

     (2)  Requires the Department of Education to implement in certain public high schools a 100th Infantry Battalion History Curriculum Pilot Program, beginning in the 2026‑2027 school year.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, and ten individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education.

     Your Committee finds that, despite the large percentage of Asian American residents in the State, the existing statewide public high school social studies curriculum does not sufficiently integrate Asian American history, including the significant contributions of the United States Army's 100th Infantry Battalion during World War II.  Your Committee further finds that integrating these narratives from Asian American history aligns with the state social studies content standards.  Your Committee notes that the 100th Infantry Battalion was composed primarily of Japanese American soldiers who began their training in the Territory of Hawaii.  Accordingly, your Committee finds that learning about the Battalion's service and valor may offer students an exemplary opportunity to engage with history through a local and multicultural lens, enrich students' social studies education, and demonstrate the importance of integrating diverse narratives.

     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. 2687, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2329

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2687

        S.D. 1

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. 2687 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year;

     (2)  Establish a one-year 100th Infantry Battalion history curriculum pilot program within certain public high schools during the 2026-2027 school year; and

     (3)  Require a report to the Legislature.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans, Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and nineteen individuals.

     Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from Department of Education and one individual.

     Your Committees find that the 100th Infantry Battalion, primarily composed of Japanese American soldiers from the State, holds a significant place in both local and national history.  The Battalion's struggle against discrimination, notable victories, and enduring legacy offer local students a valuable opportunity to engage with and contextualize history.  This measure elevates the State's social studies curricula by facilitating greater student engagement with their studies. 

     Your Committees acknowledge the concerns raised in testimony by the Department of Education that the existing Hawaii Core Standards for Social Studies offer multiple opportunities to meaningfully teach the history of the 100th Infantry Battalion and that the Department has already curated digital instructional resources on Asian American history and the 100th Infantry Battalion.  However, your Committees find that the Department of Education should ensure that this content is available statewide and uniform across all public schools in the State, and that the pilot program contemplated by this measure could serve as a potential model or template for further integration.  Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address these matters.

     Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have required the Department of Education to develop and implement a 100th Infantry Battalion history curricula plan beginning with the 2027-2028 school year;

     (2)  Inserting language that requires the Department of Education to submit a report on the statewide integration of engaging curricula relating to local history into existing social studies curricula at public schools to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027;

     (3)  Amending section 1 to reflect its amended purpose; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     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. 2687, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2687, S.D. 1, 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,