Hawaii HB2297 Updates Adult Education Framework
Summary
Hawaii passed HB2297 on March 10, 2026, updating the state's statutory framework for adult and community education programs. The bill, sponsored by Representative Nadine Nakamura, aligns state programs with federal funding requirements and incorporates current best practices. The legislation becomes effective July 31, 2055.
What changed
Hawaii HB2297 amends state education statutes governing adult and community education programs to ensure alignment with federal funding requirements and current best practices. The bill passed the House on third reading with unanimous support (no votes against) and received favorable committee reports from EDU, FIN, and Senate Ways and Means before passage.
As a framework update rather than a new regulatory mandate, this bill does not impose immediate compliance obligations on schools or community programs. The July 31, 2055 effective date provides extensive lead time for any administrative adjustments. Regulated entities should review their current adult education programs to identify any gaps relative to updated statutory requirements once implemented.
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / Hawaii / HB2297 Passed HB2297 House Bill Passed 2026-03-10
Relating To Education.
Updates Hawaii's statutory framework for adult and community education programs to ensure alignment with federal funding requirements and current best practices in those programs. Effective 7/31/2055. (SD1)
Bill Details
State Hawaii
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber House
Official Source www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_ind...
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Sponsors
Nadine Nakamura (Rep - D)
Action History
2026-04-06 S The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. 2026-04-01 S The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 04-06-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. 2026-03-30 S Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. 2026-03-30 S The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-01-26 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. 2026-03-30 S Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3266) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. 2026-03-20 S The committee(s) on EDU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EDU were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Hashimoto, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani, Fukunaga. 2026-03-17 S The committee(s) on EDU has scheduled a public hearing on 03-20-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. 2026-03-12 S Referred to EDU, WAM. 2026-03-12 S Passed First Reading. 2026-03-12 S Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 393). 2026-03-10 H Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Kong, Pierick excused (2). Transmitted to Senate. 2026-03-06 H Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1032-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. 2026-03-05 H The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Perruso. 2026-03-05 H Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 03-05-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. 2026-02-19 H Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). 2026-02-19 H Reported from EDN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 486-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. 2026-02-12 H The committee on EDN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Woodson, La Chica, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Kila, Olds, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Garrett. 2026-02-10 H Bill scheduled to be heard by EDN on Thursday, 02-12-26 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. 2026-01-30 H Referred to EDN, FIN, referral sheet 5 2026-01-28 H Introduced and Pass First Reading. 2026-01-26 H Pending introduction.
Votes
2026-03-20 Senate Education: Passed, With Amendments Yea: 3 Nay: 0 2026-04-06 Senate Ways and Means: Passed, With Amendments Yea: 12 Nay: 0
Committee Referrals
2026-01-30 H Education 2026-02-19 H Finance 2026-03-12 S Education 2026-03-30 S Ways and Means
Bill Text Versions
2026-01-29 Introduced 2026-02-18 Amended 2026-03-26 Amended
Subjects
Department of Education Adult and Community Education Scope of Programs Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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