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