Hawaii establishes teacher housing assistance program to improve recruitment and retention

House Bill 89, introduced by the Hawaii House of Representatives on February 28, 2025, aims to address the pressing issue of teacher recruitment and retention in the state. The bill recognizes that approximately 10% of teachers in Hawaii switch schools, relocate, or leave the profession each year, with only 50-60% remaining at their schools for five years or more. This high turnover rate has led to a reliance on emergency hires and substitutes, particularly in hard-to-staff schools.

One of the primary factors contributing to this turnover is Hawaii's high cost of living, which significantly impacts teachers' financial stability. A WalletHub study ranked Hawaii last among all states for starting and median teacher salaries when adjusted for cost of living. In response, House Bill 89 proposes the establishment of a teacher housing assistance program that would provide housing vouchers to qualified full-time teachers employed by the Department of Education or charter schools in hard-to-staff areas.

The bill outlines key provisions for the housing assistance program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and the use of vouchers for rent, mortgage payments, or down payments on residential properties. If demand exceeds available vouchers, a lottery system will be implemented to allocate them fairly. The vouchers will be capped at a specified monthly amount and are renewable for an additional year.

Debate surrounding the bill has focused on its potential effectiveness in alleviating the teacher shortage crisis. Supporters argue that providing housing assistance could significantly improve teacher retention rates, while critics question whether the program will adequately address the root causes of the issue, such as overall salary levels and working conditions.

The implications of House Bill 89 are significant, as it seeks to create a more stable teaching workforce in Hawaii, which could ultimately enhance educational outcomes for students. If successful, the program may serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges in teacher recruitment and retention.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its developments, including any amendments or opposition that may arise. The outcome of House Bill 89 could have lasting effects on Hawaii's education system and the lives of its teachers.