SB 2877: DOE; Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program; Kalihi; Nanakuli-Waianae; Grades Four, Five, Six; Report; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The department of education shall establish a two-year student-authored book publication pilot program in which students research, write, and publish original works.  The pilot program shall begin in the 2026-2027 school year and be completed no later than the conclusion of the 2027‑2028 school year.  The pilot program shall be designed to strengthen literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills; increase student engagement and confidence; support students' academic progression and preparation for postsecondary education; and foster connections to culture and community.

     (b)  The student-authored book publication pilot program may be conducted at up to five Kalihi public elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public elementary schools on an opt-in basis and made available to students in grades four, five, and six; provided that the pilot program shall be integrated into the existing grade level curricula of participating schools as a capstone.

     (c)  Under the student-authored book publication pilot program:

     (1)  Each teacher for grades four through six at participating schools may select a topic for their class relating to Hawaiian culture, the local community, or a personal story; and

     (2)  Using a classroom student book publishing program, each student shall write and illustrate a standard size online book on the selected topic; provided that the dimensions and length of the book shall be determined by the teacher according to available funds.

     (d)  Each teacher at participating schools shall receive a budget to implement the student-authored book publication pilot program in their classroom.

     (e)  The principal of each participating school shall submit a report on the student-authored book publication pilot program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2029.  The report shall include:

     (1)  Assessments of the pilot program's implementation, student outcomes, and the feasibility of continuing or expanding the pilot program; and

     (2)  Additional findings and recommendations.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the student-authored book publication pilot program, to be distributed to participating schools based on the number of students and cost of books.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act; provided that the sum appropriated shall only be expended if private sources supply matching funds of not less than twenty-five per cent of the appropriated sum; provided further that any unencumbered funds shall lapse to the credit of the general fund on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOE; Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program; Kalihi; Nanakuli-Waianae; Grades Four, Five, Six; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to establish a two-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program.  Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at up to five Kalihi public elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula.  Appropriates funds.  (CD1)

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.  (a)  The department of education shall establish a one-year student-authored book publication pilot program in which students research, write, and publish original works.  The pilot program shall be designed to strengthen literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills; increase student engagement and confidence; support students' academic progression and preparation for postsecondary education; and foster connections to culture and community.

     (b)  The student-authored book publication pilot program may be conducted at Kalihi public elementary schools and made available to students in grade five; provided that the pilot program shall be integrated into the existing grade five curricula of participating schools as a capstone.

     (c)  Under the student-authored book publication pilot program:

     (1)  Each teacher may select a topic for their grade five class relating to Hawaiian culture or the local community;

     (2)  Each student shall write and illustrate a book on the selected topic; provided that the dimensions and length of the book shall be determined by the department of education according to available funds; and

     (3)  The department of education shall facilitate the collection, printing, binding, and return of the student-authored books.

     (d)  The department of education shall contract with a third party pursuant to chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement the student-authored book publication pilot program.

     (e)  The department of education shall submit a report on the student-authored book publication pilot program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include:

     (1)  Assessments of the pilot program's implementation, student outcomes, and the feasibility of continuing or expanding the pilot program; and

     (2)  Additional findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the student-authored book publication pilot program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOE; Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program; Kalihi; Grade Five; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to establish a one-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program.  Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Appropriates funds.  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.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The department of education shall establish a one-year student-authored book publication pilot program in which students research, write, and publish original works.  The program shall be designed to strengthen literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills; increase student engagement and confidence; support students' academic progression and preparation for postsecondary education; and foster connections to culture and community.

     (b)  The pilot program shall be conducted at Kalihi public elementary schools and made available to students in grade five; provided that the program shall be integrated into the existing grade five curricula of participating schools as a capstone.

     (c)  Under the student-authored book publication pilot program:

     (1)  Each teacher shall select a topic for their grade five class relating to Hawaiian culture or the local community;

     (2)  Each student shall write and illustrate a book on the selected topic; provided that the dimensions and length of the book shall be determined by the department of education according to available funds; and

     (3)  The department of education shall facilitate the collection, printing, binding, and return of the student-authored books.

     (d)  The department of education shall contract with a third party in accordance with chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement the pilot program, including to fulfill its duties pursuant to subsection (c)(3). 

     (e)  The department of education shall submit a report on the student-authored book publication pilot program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include:

     (1)  Assessments of the program's implementation, student outcomes, and the feasibility of continuing or expanding the program; and

     (2)  Additional findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the student-authored book publication pilot program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOE; Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program; Kalihi; Grade Five; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to establish a one-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools to be integrated into existing curricula.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Appropriates funds.  (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.  (a)  The department of education shall establish a one-year student-authored book publication pilot program in which students research, write, and publish original works.  The program shall be designed to strengthen literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills; increase student engagement and confidence; support students' academic progression and preparation for postsecondary education; and foster connections to culture and community.

     (b)  The pilot program shall be conducted at Kalihi public elementary schools and available to students in grade five.

     (c)  Under the student-authored book publication pilot program:

     (1)  Each teacher shall select a topic for their grade five class relating to Hawaiian culture or the local community;

     (2)  Each student shall write and illustrate a book on the selected topic; provided that the dimensions and length of the book shall be determined by the department of education according to available funds; and

     (3)  The department of education shall facilitate the collection, printing, binding, and return of the student-authored books.

     (d)  The department of education shall contract with a third party in accordance with chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to implement the pilot program, including to fulfill its duties pursuant to subsection (c)(3). 

     (e)  The department of education shall submit a report on the student-authored book publication pilot program to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include:

     (1)  Assessments of the program's implementation, student outcomes, and the feasibility of continuing or expanding the program; and

     (2)  Additional findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the establishment of the student-authored book publication pilot program.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DOE; Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program; Kalihi; Grade Five; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Education to establish a one-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Appropriates funds.

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. 2764

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2877

        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. 2877, 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 require the Department of Education to establish a one-year student-authored book publication pilot program for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

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

     Your Committee finds that innovative educational frameworks have the potential to improve educational outcomes.  Your Committee further finds that a high-quality book publishing experience, in which students research, write, and publish original works, would strengthen student literacy, student voice, and culturally responsive learning.  Accordingly, your Committee finds that the pilot program in this measure will help to advance students' literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills; support academic preparation for post-secondary education; and foster connections to culture and community.

     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. 2877, 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. 2337

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:     S.B. No. 2877

        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 Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2877 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Education to establish a one‑year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program for fifth graders at Kalihi public elementary schools;

     (2)  Require a report to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Princess Miriam K. Likelike Elementary School, Teach for America Hawaiʻi, HawaiiKidsCAN, and eight individuals.

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

     Your Committee finds that innovative measures to elevate local voices and deepen connections to family and community offer unique opportunities to advance the State's attendance and literacy objectives in public education.  As demonstrated by successful programs in schools in the County of Kauai, self‑authored publishing projects empower students to strengthen literacy and affirm their cultural identities.  Promoting engaging opportunities to apply critical skillsets, such as research, writing, and self-expression, improves outcomes for students beyond the classroom.  This measure fosters students' pride in their identities and communities while supporting literacy efforts. 

     Your Committee acknowledges the testimony of Princess Miriam K. Likelike Elementary School that the pilot program should be integrated into the existing fifth grade curricula of participating schools, rather than being implemented as a stand‑alone program, to provide the flexibility necessary for teachers to collaborate and plan how best to fit the project into existing academic schedules.  Your Committee further notes that the pilot program could then serve as a capstone project within the existing curricula.  Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address this matter.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the pilot program to be integrated into the existing grade five curricula of participating schools as a capstone; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     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 S.B. No. 2877, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2877, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,