[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6282255,"mediaKeyId","2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7","parentId",2597408,"title","Committee hears mixed views on tax exemption for nonprofit school fundraisers; decision deferred","audioSeconds",546,"startMs",3646000,"endMs",4192000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7&start=3646&end=4192","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7/thumbnail_3646000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282255/Hawaii/Committee-hears-mixed-views-on-tax-exemption-for-nonprofit-school-fundraisers-decision-deferred","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282255-192c3b77b363677ba29bae47bc64b11b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140772&Signature=YiAPd5ETigbVBGGeNtEU~np6VJyNSqB5nbQOOHxNC6rwnvh07cFi~HgRw0x1BNc3FcioMQ1~mqtnDdyzODqSf3-c8UqlEZT8xpxShfG3dtLIwY2N691RxWqN43fDTEZplVMo7Zl-r9iB7ROTd8BkzE3J4GCLKpiNWkzUbah-xRfrslnepe4wyOayJ3vzncRvvZX9KIRiNJPlB~4U48~~g75xJfK-F-QxIlxuC2hyZuw9urujU1clBifx4pnh6k6m7M7O6XG8mWQHllvipVTo32gAuOo~9oBmLNx8MS3zw1W4DQTpLja6vErOmyMi6v9OceFrJX5k6ZGpG5qfXBN5JQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate Committee on Education","date","2025-03-13T13:34:07.637Z","article","House Bill 1437, HD2, which would establish a general excise tax exemption on gross proceeds received from sales of commodities or services that benefit nonprofit schools, was discussed by the Senate Committee on Education and deferred.

Supporters from the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools said the exemption would align treatment of independent school fundraisers with existing exemptions for public school fundraisers and that most fundraiser proceeds function as donations. \"Almost all of the funding that is raised from these... fundraisers that schools run are just another form of a donation,\" said Phil Bossert, Executive Director of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS).

The Department of Taxation provided a revenue estimate range in supplemental remarks, noting estimated revenue impacts over several years (the department presented figures during the hearing for fiscal years 2026–2031). Opponents, including a representative of Title I teachers, said the timing of a private school tax break is problematic given current federal funding uncertainty and potential strains on public school resources.

The committee chair recorded the recommendation to defer HB 1437 for further consideration.

Votes at a glance: HB 1437, HD2 — Committee recommendation: defer (as recorded in the hearing transcript).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EDU Public Hearing 03-12-2025","oneSentenceSummary","HB 1437, which would create a general excise tax exemption for sales that benefit nonprofit schools, drew support from independent schools and some community members and opposition from a teachers' union worried about private school advantages; the committee deferred the bill.","taxTitle","Senate Committee on Education, Senate, Legislative , Hawaii","taxId",25727,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282261,"Committee hears support for community schools bill; DOE flags budget tradeoffs",1181,3003000,4184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7&start=3003&end=4184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7/thumbnail_3003000.jpg","/articles/6282261/Hawaii/Committee-hears-support-for-community-schools-bill-DOE-flags-budget-tradeoffs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282261-79cc38aa17daeddc5483e1a60175dff7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140772&Signature=FQTfy6y9noEZKG2G6feX4M0pFVeZUqmIsFbYKPQYuwi8Eoau0YlLrd842co8hnj91-PJ9FD5qpwqXpOdSBzm0IdXlSgb9GSlsN4tgxqmsZhU0S1IHnXIG-CwkokpXDRzDjgEhQKcA7In~Z9sb7TIFUajE4lwYC1C9Rg5FC1PR3pz6UK7BYbUzSgNSESnJ6mXcRcPUSQAf46ivoXDnUaa~AfHgvrQ6BUVj6-P~f-W7sf3IGrXegQD7lEN5pR~t2KLpc98Ne2Exf5repV6fP-x7irknasJ3ZN~Ka88tw-FD3XJZFD0DowkNzspyqJmJBhJL-U4ZUhRBg8NIP133325mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Witnesses at the Senate Committee on Education hearing urged support for House Bill 754, HD2, which would appropriate funds to the Department of Education to support community schools and establish a program manager position.

Proponents described community schools as hubs that coordinate community resources to support students and families, and they cited examples of improved attendance and academic measures where community school models operate. \"The community schools function as the hub of the community where community resources are coordinated to support the needs of the kids and the families,\" said Paula Adams of the Hawaii After School Alliance, who described attendance and proficiency gains at schools using the model. Herb Lee Jr., CEO of a nonprofit that supports Waimanalo schools, and representatives from Hawaii Kids Can and the Hawaii State Teachers Association also testified in support.

Department of Education witnesses said the department supports the benefits of community schools but asked that any appropriation not adversely affect the department's governor‑approved budget. Committee members highlighted the need to balance priorities across departmental budgets when adding new programs and noted that funding must come from within available resources.

The committee recorded a recommendation to defer House Bill 754 for further consideration. The chair warned that adding programs mid‑budget requires tradeoffs and that committee and department priorities must be balanced when considering new appropriations.

Votes at a glance: HB 754, HD2 — Committee recommendation: defer (as recorded in the hearing transcript).","HB 754, which would fund community schools and a program manager position in DOE, drew broad support from nonprofits and teachers; DOE said it supports the model but asked that appropriations not adversely affect the governor‑approved budget. The committee deferred the bill for further consideration.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282266,"Committee advances two‑site librarian pilot bill to address school library shortages",1680,2481000,4161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7&start=2481&end=4161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7/thumbnail_2481000.jpg","/articles/6282266/Hawaii/Committee-advances-twosite-librarian-pilot-bill-to-address-school-library-shortages","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282266-427c5cdb20156fe4c3b6a0de61b9ef5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140772&Signature=T1O8wH2g8ly1AMbTD8sNKLvtaPQ5jnk9wVhFOoBlrc4YpCZXAh6~WoaIMAbifZEws06myNuc9JzbZm6~umXLkP767-BUubKAyusB09rcoDrW1EZFN8VnDfjBH3Fve3kgN0Sbzxp7GITKD4nYDFf9mxzQDxLjyVLwIRl8MLogz4-dCIl0MASMR5XqfKGPRflD8l0b-zFr2obD1iIn-JeLFrER1RO--L1yq1oR1JFJV1X7cj-AyD0IfFMeYiXn1I37KtfWvY6Yei3ljWptg7swEFlvj8bcdoQZnmjUw7TPVAgQ-HrVaZPm9Y174DVDBpP2E0vtowLGq-e6iuw7f4JFFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Education voted to pass House Bill 961, which would establish and fund a two‑year librarian pilot to serve one school complex on Oahu and one school complex on a neighbor island.

Supporters urged the committee to address disparities in access to certified librarians. \"I was very surprised to learn that only 28% of Hawaii schools have a certified librarian,\" said Rosa Tui Jr., President of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, who testified in support and discussed how certified librarians support curriculum and information literacy. Mira Garud and other testifiers asked the committee to consider language from a related bill (HB 962) addressing research on librarian impact and neighbor‑island inequities.

Department of Education witnesses noted hiring challenges and asked that any appropriation not adversely affect the department's governor‑approved budget. The DOE told the committee that a certified librarian typically requires a master's program in library science and that few recent graduates choose school librarianship; DOE representatives said certified librarians are normally hired for specific schools and that rotating certified staff would leave home schools without a certified librarian unless backfill arrangements are made.

Committee action: the committee recorded a recommendation to pass HB 961 with amendments and noted the committee adopted that recommendation. The hearing record indicates the committee vote was unanimous with five members present.

Witnesses and members discussed operational details including how a single certified librarian could serve a multi‑school complex through shared services, the expected range of schools per complex (examples given of 6–9 schools depending on the complex), and that certified librarians fall under the same bargaining unit (unit 5). The testimony did not state the pilot appropriation dollar amount or the exact job classification steps; those items were not specified in the hearing record.

Votes at a glance: HB 961, HD1 — Recommendation: pass with amendments; outcome recorded as adopted (5 ayes).","The committee voted to pass HB 961, creating a two‑year pilot to place certified librarians at one Oahu complex and one neighbor‑island complex; witnesses described large gaps in certified librarian coverage and logistical limits on staffing.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282271,"Committee backs bill to sanction high school surfing amid safety, cost questions",3148,954000,4102000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7&start=954&end=4102","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7/thumbnail_954000.jpg","/articles/6282271/Hawaii/Committee-backs-bill-to-sanction-high-school-surfing-amid-safety-cost-questions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282271-b95faad696507664cc5f6191137779f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140772&Signature=PvxovAvPuXW8MSwT00lCYysS~f2m~R6mMMLwcsKeJ2KqUwz73Zck6OoP9P0loXW7c2H4FKcfHl50~w2OZgvvySR9scCfCQ4Z9vniZPIHGtCqWXTHW6HgOV~cwL0c6onv~asuxKJVRc6FOutU6n-ZZflCdH3iAIzdyZvgPodxi8ZtZz1hay8yxKcvWQvJ0Bztnflhjs4gv8wvd0be0SYiYHqUPOFvV~fgBt8M0bCSIfY02B94FnnVLkCn0ggvSUijqe04941UuAjVMguf9tzLu4oePMbVFRX1b0ysgZLkHGdwHqDe-Z-3ebxzYEEH9nhpGlTRzV5~NpxHZXU600rXng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Education recommended passage of House Bill 133, HD2, to recognize surfing as an interscholastic high school sport and to appropriate funds; the committee noted remaining questions about safety, insurance and budget and said it would refer funding details to the Ways and Means Committee.

Supporters from the governor's sports task force, surf coaches, nonprofit foundations and students told the committee the bill would formalize an established activity in Hawaii schools. \"There is strong support, overwhelming support for high school surfing,\" said Keith Amemiya, chair of the Governor's Sports Task Force. Student testimony emphasized cultural and developmental benefits: \"Surfing is more than just a sport... It is my heritage, my way of life, and my passion,\" said Chrislyn \"Sissy\" Simpson Conney, a competitive surfer and high‑school team captain.

Witnesses described organized surfing competitions already held in leagues such as the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) and urged state support to meet league thresholds and cover coach salaries, equipment and tournament costs. \"This bill is really about getting the funding extra kick needed to help our public school clubs get up and running to meet the league minimum thresholds,\" said Sarah Fairfield, executive director of the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation.

Department of Education and league representatives flagged operational concerns. An OIA/DOE representative said issues include open‑ocean safety, insurance liability and the logistics of safe practice sites on Oahu where schools may be distant from suitable surf spots. \"It's the open ocean... mother nature factors that we're not, you know, really comfortable with,\" said the OIA executive director. Committee members asked for concrete cost estimates and safety plans; committee leaders said they would likely ask Ways and Means for further information before final appropriations are considered.

The committee recorded a recommendation to pass HB 133 with amendments and to defer funding details to Ways and Means. The hearing record indicates the committee adopted the recommendation with all members present recorded in favor; the chair noted the committee \"struggled\" with details because the bill includes an appropriation and that more information on costs, insurance, coach salaries and practice logistics will be necessary later.

Key points from testimony: MIL organizers reported no serious injuries in long‑running club competitions, and coaches and students cited growing participation. DOE and OIA said sanctioned athletics rules require supervised practices and coaches, raising questions about how existing club structures would transition into sanctioned teams and what certification, lifeguard presence or equipment procurement would be required.

Votes at a glance: HB 133, HD2 — Committee recommendation: pass with amendments and refer funding questions to Ways and Means; record shows committee adopted recommendation.","The committee recommended HB 133, HD2, to be passed with amendments and sent to Ways and Means. Testimony showed strong support from surfing organizations and student athletes; DOE and league representatives raised safety, liability and logistical questions that the committee said need more detail before funding is finalized.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6282276,"Senate committee advances bill funding 50 new public preschool classrooms",4075,95000,4170000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7&start=95&end=4170","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2597408-ed49be6eda266409d35c6c8e523546c7/thumbnail_95000.jpg","/articles/6282276/Hawaii/Senate-committee-advances-bill-funding-50-new-public-preschool-classrooms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282276-6b9f7d631a9b3f0d93b1bbf5111463ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140772&Signature=hhOyH5tfYmchJUkaCb-yM5rKYHHiPIJbxslYKPacNq-81hZlauDihJHj4eQC7mlevOMxtrbqe~2Z4NgD-KUDOaAxj22OPn2WhjeJlmrXyby~vIDmp1SccGlr4~ZAjSlmnOU7HJa28qtkgjZn3W-VF0iK2Xd3WjVI8-3wxWw0gW15aAe~yVTGdshBHoGDwka5LGCVFQkaK8emIwuSJbKS--Y~WOk1HxL6LJilyEQRm6LMgeW7MjGATZPH7CiuuywDiHPnbPj~ttBZX-Cdv5MdSCGRfeQ-pSUBIP0eSr44wXUQ-lLKpbFB8V5ltMrclwEF0rOn~KvwkA9DT3uD9fWGlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Education voted to pass House Bill 429, HD1, which would appropriate funds for teachers, teacher assistants and classroom equipment to expand public preschool access.

Supporters told the committee the measure would sustain and expand recent preschool openings and pay for staffing and supplies. \"In strong support... we successfully opened up over 50 preschool classrooms in the last 2 years. In the next 2 years, we are already planning ahead to build another 50 classrooms, and this bill will help fund the teachers and teacher assistance,\" said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia.

The bill would continue funding for classrooms created through the Ready Keiki initiative and Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) programs, which witnesses said are state‑funded rather than federally supported. \"EOEL works in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Education to administer 92 public pre K classrooms in 74 campuses across the state,\" said Yuko Arikawa Cross, Director of the Executive Office on Early Learning. Cross told the committee the positions and funding in HB 429 would allow EOEL to add an additional 50 classrooms over the next two years and that the funding was included in the governor's biennium budget request.

School leaders and educators framed the expansion as both an educational and economic issue. \"The high cost of childcare in Hawaii presents a significant challenge for working families,\" said Christopher Santina, principal of Hana High and Elementary School, who described running two preschools on his campus. The Democratic Party of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Teachers Association also testified in support, citing developmental and equity benefits.

Committee members asked about reliance on federal funds and the impact of federal education changes; witnesses said the Ready Keiki and EOEL classrooms are state funded and the bill seeks to avoid supplanting existing services. Witnesses also noted concerns about teacher supply and the plan to use unused school space and partnerships with the University of Hawaii, DOE and private providers to expand capacity without disrupting K–12 staffing.

Decision and procedural details: the committee announced a recommendation to pass HB 429 with amendments and to \"defect the date to 07/01/2050\" (as recorded in the hearing transcript). The roll call in the hearing record shows Chair Kidani, Vice Chair Kim, Senator Hashimoto, Senator Kanubo and Senator Decort recorded as voting \"aye.\" The record lists the committee recommendation as adopted.

The bill text and amendment details were not read into the record during witness testimony; specific appropriation amounts and line‑item budget details were not specified in the testimony submitted to the committee.

Votes at a glance: HB 429, HD1 — Recommendation: pass with amendments; outcome recorded in committee as adopted (5 ayes).","The Senate Committee on Education voted to pass HB 429, HD1, to fund teachers, teacher assistants and equipment for public preschool expansion; committee recorded five ayes. Testimony highlighted recent classroom openings and plans to add 50 more classrooms over two years.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee hears mixed views on tax exemption for nonprofit school fundraisers; decision deferred

Committee hears support for community schools bill; DOE flags budget tradeoffs

Committee advances two‑site librarian pilot bill to address school library shortages

Committee backs bill to sanction high school surfing amid safety, cost questions

Senate committee advances bill funding 50 new public preschool classrooms