SB 2877

THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2877
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
H.D. 1
C.D. 1
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO EDUCATION.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
���� SECTION 1.� (a)� The department of education shall establish a
two-year student-authored
book publication pilot
program in which students research, write, and publish original works.� The pilot program shall begin in the
2026-2027 school year and be completed no later than the conclusion of the 2027‑2028
school year.� The pilot program shall be
designed to strengthen literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills;
increase student engagement and confidence; support students' academic
progression and preparation for postsecondary education; and foster connections
to culture and community.
���� (b)�
The student-authored book publication pilot program may be conducted at up
to five Kalihi public elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public
elementary schools on an opt-in basis and made available to students in grades
four, five, and six; provided that the pilot program shall be integrated into
the existing grade level curricula of participating schools as a capstone.
���� (c)�
Under the student-authored book publication pilot program:
���� (1)� Each
teacher for grades four through six at participating schools may select a topic
for their class relating to Hawaiian culture, the local community, or a
personal story; and
���� (2)� Using
a classroom student book publishing program, each student shall write and
illustrate a standard size online book on the selected topic; provided that the
dimensions and length of the book shall be determined by the teacher according
to available funds.
���� (d)� Each
teacher at participating schools shall receive a budget to implement the
student-authored book publication pilot program in their classroom.
���� (e)�
The principal of each participating school shall submit a report on the
student-authored book publication pilot program to the legislature no later
than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2029.� The report shall include:
���� (1)� Assessments
of the pilot program's implementation, student outcomes, and the feasibility of
continuing or expanding the pilot program; and
���� (2)� Additional
findings and recommendations.
���� SECTION 2.�
There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii
the sum of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year
2026-2027 for the establishment of the student-authored book publication pilot
program, to be distributed to participating schools based on the number of
students and cost of books.
���� The sum appropriated shall be expended by
the department of education for the purposes of this Act; provided that the sum
appropriated shall only be expended if private sources supply matching funds of
not less than twenty-five per cent of the appropriated sum; provided further
that any unencumbered funds shall lapse to the credit of the general fund on June
30, 2028.
���� SECTION 3.� This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
DOE; Student-Authored
Book Publication Pilot
Program; Kalihi; Nanakuli-Waianae; Grades Four, Five, Six; Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires
the Department of Education to establish a two-year Student-Authored
Book Publication Pilot
Program.� Authorizes the Pilot Program to
be conducted for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at up to five Kalihi public
elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public elementary schools to
be integrated into existing curricula.� Appropriates
funds.� (CD1)
The summary description
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not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.