Hawaii governor signs 13 bills aimed at Native Hawaiian communities

[Source]

Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed 13 pieces of legislation directed at Native Hawaiian communities on June 28. The bills primarily cover housing, education and tourism.

  • Kaiapuni education: HB 2074, one of Friday’s key bills, mandates the Department of Education to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for kaiapuni (“learning environment”) education, which Green describes as “vital for the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian language and culture.” The scheme includes a $3.5 million budget to fund new positions for kaiapuni teachers and curriculum specialists and monitoring some 1,400 students.

  • Tourism plan: Another bill is SB 2659, which requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to establish a Tourism Functional Plan, prioritizing sustainable tourism practices and preserving Native Hawaiian cultural resources. “This bill ensures that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification,” Green said.

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