How have Hawaiʻi students fare in the Legislature?

Hawaiʻi has a single statewide school district so the operating budget to support state K-12 schools, programs and administration, about $2 billion annually, is largely funded by the state. That’s around 10% of the state’s total operating budget. As such, education legislation and appropriations are a major issue for state legislators challenged by multiple funding demands. The unions for public school teachers and University of Hawaiʻi faculty are influential in budget discussions. UH officials often appear before legislative committees to defend their budget, including capital improvements and student-related issues like tuition and housing.

In 2026, lawmakers who advocate for education will again try to expand the program that provides free meals to students, including to charter school students. The state Department of Education also needs more money for school construction and the upkeep of campuses. The debate over banning cellphones in schools also is heating up again in the Legislature.