Hawaii School Climate Policy

HAWAII 

There is one school district in Hawaii that houses 286 K-12 public schools. There were 174,704 students enrolled in the 2020-21 school year. Approximately 50% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Hawaii has a policy called “Educational accountability system; annual reports” that addresses school climate evaluation. Other school policies include anti-bullying, crisis safety planning, mental health services, anti-discrimination, and media literacy education programs for K-12. There is a program called the Hawaiian language medium education program that allows students to receive an education program through the Hawaiian language. 

Safety

Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1004. Educational accountability system; annual reports.

The department shall implement a comprehensive system of educational accountability to motivate and support the improved performance of students and the education system.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-1004/


Who does this protect? Students and Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-6. Prohibited student conduct; class offenses. 

  • The following prohibited conduct applies to all students in summer school during summer school hours, on campus, or other departments of education premises, on the department of education transportation, or during a department of education sponsored activity or event on or off school property;
    • Bullying
    • Cyberbullying
    • Harassment
    • Hazing 
    • Assault
    • Abusive language 
  • Disciplinary action shall be taken for all class offenses in grades kindergarten through twelve and these actions may include;
    • Detention
    • Crisis removal 
    • Parents conferences
    • In-school suspension 
    • Loss of privileges

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-13
Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-2. Definitions.

Defines bullying, cyberbullying, fighting, hazing, and abusive language

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-2
Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1002. Reporting of crime-related incidents.

Require a report to appropriate authorities from a teacher, official, or other employees of the department who knows or has reason to believe that an act of bullying, harassment, or hazing will be committed

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-1002/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-6. Prohibited student conduct; class offenses.

Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited in summer school during summer school hours, on campus, or other departments of education premises, on the department of education transportation, or during a department of education sponsored activity or event on or off school property

  • Bullying
  • Cyberbullying
  • Harassment
  • Hazing 
  • Assault
  • Abusive language 

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-13

Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1134.6 Zero tolerance policy.

Any child who possesses sells, or uses a dangerous weapon or switchblade knife while attending school or while attending department-supervised activities held on or off school property, may be excluded from attending school for up to ninety-two school days.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-1134-6/

 Hawaii Revised Statutes §463-10.5 Guards; registration, instruction, training, testing, and continuing education required; renewal of registration.

All guards must:

  • Be at least 18.
  • Possess a high school education or equivalent.
  • Not be presently suffering from any psychiatric or psychological disorder.
  • Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction of a crime which reflects unfavorably on the fitness of the individual to act as a guard.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2011/division2/title25/chapter463/463-10-5/

 Hawaii Administrative Rules 12-45.4 State Fire Code.

Fire drills at high schools, middle schools, and intermediate schools shall be conducted at least quarterly during school sessions.

https://ags.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hawaii_State_Fire_Code_20191120.pdf


Who does this protect? Indigenous Students and staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-1. Philosophy. 

  • In addition to the education provided during the regular school year, the department offers students the opportunity to receive additional instruction and educational services through a self-supporting summer school program on a voluntary attendance basis.
  • It is the responsibility of every student to demonstrate respectful, responsible, safe, and ethical behaviors on the department of education transportation, or during a department of education-sponsored activity on or off school property.

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-1

Hawaii Revised Statutes 321-174 Coordination of services with the department of education.

The children’s mental health services team shall cooperate with the schools located in their particular geographic region in identifying and referring for treatment such children or youths in need of mental health services.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-19/chapter-321/section-321-174/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-856 Youth suicide awareness and prevention protocol.

The department, in collaboration with the department of health, shall develop a mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training program and a model risk referral protocol for complex areas and charter schools based on the department of health’s existing suicide awareness and prevention curriculum and materials, which shall be provided to teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, and counselors.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-856/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-852 Teenage health program.

The department, in cooperation with the department of health, may establish a statewide teenage health program designed to enhance self-esteem, facilitate communication between students and their parents, incorporate “ho ‘oponopono” techniques in group discussions, expand peer counseling efforts, and provide more counseling opportunities.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-852/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-851 Purpose; establishment of the program.

There shall be within the department a permanent comprehensive school health services program for grades kindergarten through twelve in all the public schools of this state.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-851/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 321-175 Statewide children’s mental health services plan. 

  • A program for the recruitment, orientation, and in-service training of personnel in community mental health services to children and youth, and allied fields, including participation, as appropriate, by institutions of higher learning, state and local agencies, and other public and private agencies having relevant expertise.
  • A description of the provisions for prevention, early identification, diagnosis, screening, and treatment of children and youth in need of mental health services.
  • Identification of the criteria and Standard for the treatment to be received by emotionally disturbed or mentally ill children and youth.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-19/chapter-321/section-321-175/


Who does this protect? Indigenous Students and staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Teaching/Learning

Hawaii Revised Statutes §302H-1 Hawaiian language medium education program; established.

The educational objectives of this program shall take into consideration how its content integrates with Hawaiian language and culture curricula.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302h/section-302h-1/

Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-443.5 Education of students with disabilities; private residential facilities; special education schools or programs; accreditation.

Provides education, treatment, programming, or related services to students with disabilities who are eligible to receive special education and related services under federal or state laws, rules, or regulations.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-443-5/


Who does this protect? Indigenous students, students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

 

There is no current policy surrounding Social and Civic Learning in Hawaii. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Interpersonal Relationships

Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-2. Definitions.

Making verbal or non-verbal expressions that cause others to feel uncomfortable, pressured, threatened, or in danger because of reasons that include but are not limited to the person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity and expression, religion, disability, or sexual orientation that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment, or interferes with the education of a student, or otherwise adversely affects the educational opportunity of a student or students.

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-2

 Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1140 Religious holy days.

The board shall release any public school student from school attendance to observe religious holy days that fall on regularly scheduled school days when the release is requested in writing by a parent, guardian, or other person having custody or control of the pupil.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-1140/

 Hawaii Revised Statutes §302H-1 Hawaiian language medium education program; established.

The educational objectives of this program shall take into consideration how its content integrates with Hawaiian language and culture curricula.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-18/chapter-302h/section-302h-1/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Hawaii Revised Statutes 321-175 Statewide children’s mental health services plan.

A program for the recruitment, orientation, and in-service training of personnel in community mental health services to children and youth, and allied fields, including participation, as appropriate, by institutions of higher learning, state and local agencies, and other public and private agencies having relevant expertise.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-19/chapter-321/section-321-175/

 Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-856 Youth suicide awareness and prevention protocol.

The department, in collaboration with the department of health, shall develop a mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training program and a model risk referral protocol for complex areas and charter schools based on the department of health’s existing suicide awareness and prevention curriculum and materials, which shall be provided to teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, and counselors.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-856/


Who does this protect? Staff, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-1. Philosophy. 

  • In addition to the education provided during the regular school year, the department offers students the opportunity to receive additional instruction and educational services through a self-supporting summer school program on a voluntary attendance basis.
  • It is the responsibility of every student to demonstrate respectful, responsible, safe, and ethical behaviors on the department of education transportation, or during a department of education-sponsored activity on or off school property.

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-1

 Hawaii Revised Statutes 321-174 Coordination of services with the department of education.

The children’s mental health services team shall cooperate with the schools located in their particular geographic region in identifying and referring for treatment such children or youths in need of mental health services.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-19/chapter-321/section-321-174/

 Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-856 Youth suicide awareness and prevention protocol.

The department, in collaboration with the department of health, shall develop a mandatory youth suicide awareness and prevention training program and a model risk referral protocol for complex areas and charter schools based on the department of health’s existing suicide awareness and prevention curriculum and materials, which shall be provided to teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, and counselors.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-856/

 Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-852 Teenage health program.

The department, in cooperation with the department of health, may establish a statewide teenage health program designed to enhance self-esteem, facilitate communication between students and their parents, incorporate “ho ‘oponopono” techniques in group discussions, expand peer counseling efforts, and provide more counseling opportunities.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-852/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-851 Purpose; establishment of the program.

There shall be within the department a permanent comprehensive school health services program for grades kindergarten through twelve in all the public schools of this state.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-851/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 321-175 Statewide children’s mental health services plan. 

  • A program for the recruitment, orientation, and in-service training of personnel in community mental health services to children and youth, and allied fields, including participation, as appropriate, by
    • institutions of higher learning, state and local agencies, and other public and private agencies having relevant expertise.
    • A description of the provisions for prevention, early identification, diagnosis, screening, and treatment of children and youth in need of mental health services.
    • Identification of the criteria and Standard for the treatment to be received by emotionally disturbed or mentally ill children and youth.

    https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2020/title-19/chapter-321/section-321-175/


Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Institutional Environment

Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1133.5 Parent and guardian accountability for compliance with student code of conduct.

The department shall inform all parents and guardians of the student code of conduct and of their responsibilities concerning ensuring that their children comply with the code.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-1133-5/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 302A-432 Adult and community education authorized.

To provide increased opportunity for the people of Hawaii, the department shall establish and regulate a program of adult and community education of less than college grade.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-432/

Hawaii Revised Statutes 78-31 Paid leave; education of children.

Employees shall be eligible for up to two hours of paid leave during normal business hours to attend either:

  • A mutually-scheduled parent-teacher conference for the employee’s child attending a public or private school in grades kindergarten through twelve.
  • A mutually-scheduled parent-caregiver conference for a preschool-aged child attending a licensed group child care center.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-7/chapter-78/section-78-31/


Who does this protect? Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Hawaii Administrative Code §8-19-6. Prohibited student conduct; class offenses.

Possession or use of a firearm is prohibited in summer school during summer school hours, on campus, or another department of education premises, on the department of education transportation, or during a department of education sponsored activity or event on or off school property:

  • Bullying
  • Cyberbullying
  • Harassment
  • Hazing 
  • Assault
  • Abusive language 

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/AdminRules/Pages/AdminRule19.aspx#8-19-13

Hawaii Revised Statutes §302A-1134.6 Zero tolerance policy.

Any child who possesses sells, or uses a dangerous weapon or switchblade knife while attending school or while attending department-supervised activities held on or off school property, may be excluded from attending school for up to ninety-two school days.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2022/title-18/chapter-302a/section-302a-1134-6/

Hawaii Revised Statutes §463-10.5 Guards; registration, instruction, training, testing, and continuing education required; renewal of registration.

All guards must 

  • Be at least 18.
  • Possess a high school education or equivalent.
  • Not be presently suffering from any psychiatric or psychological disorder.
  • Not have been convicted in any jurisdiction of a crime which reflects unfavorably on the fitness of the individual to act as a guard.

https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/2011/division2/title25/chapter463/463-10-5/

Hawaii Administrative Rules 12-45.4 State Fire Code.

Fire drills at high schools, middle schools, and intermediate schools shall be conducted at least quarterly during school sessions.

https://ags.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hawaii_State_Fire_Code_20191120.pdf


Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

 

There is no current policy surrounding Social Inclusion in the state of Hawaii. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School Climate Center

Social Media

Hawaii Administrative Rules 2170 Internet Access Policy.

It enhances educational and research activities provide a conduit for the transmission and sharing of information, provides access to appropriate national and international resources, and assists in developing the literacy skills necessary in a technology-rich society.

https://boe.hawaii.gov/policies/2100series/Pages/2170.aspx

The legislature further finds that students from grades kindergarten through twelve should be educated in media literacy to obtain the skills and experiences needed to become full and healthy participants in the digital world, including instruction in understanding how media shapes perceptions, healthy or unhealthy behaviors, and decision-making.

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2021/bills/SB362_.HTM


Who does this protect? Students and Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Hawaii. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationship in Hawaii. For more information on school climate, please visit us at Services – National School

Sources include: nasbe.org and childtrends.org