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Students urge lawmakers to recognize robotics as an interscholastic sport to expand STEM access

House Committee on Economic Development & Technology · February 13, 2026

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Summary

More than two dozen students and mentors testified in support of HB2534, arguing that recognizing robotics as an interscholastic sport would secure funding, mentorship time, and pathways to college and careers for Hawaii students, particularly on outer islands with travel and funding barriers.

HB2534 drew substantial turnout from Hawaii students and mentors who described robotics programs as pipelines into engineering, coding and high-wage jobs. Students from James Campbell High School and other Oahu and neighbor-island teams said funding shortfalls and unpaid mentors have forced programs to shrink despite high graduation and college-going rates among participating students.

Speakers provided examples of program impact: one team reported a 100% graduation rate and complete university enrollment among team alumni; other witnesses described federal SBIR funding leveraged by commercialization work. Testimony stressed that recognizing robotics as an interscholastic sport would help pay mentors, reduce travel barriers for outer-island teams, and stabilize programs that currently rely on volunteer time and inconsistent funding.

The committee passed HB2534 as is. Members praised the students for testifying and noted the bill's potential to promote STEM education and job-readiness across the state.