Report Title:

Education; Youth Leadership Demonstration Project

 

Description:

Reauthorizes and appropriates funds for the community-based youth leadership demonstration project for the Hilo-Hamakua-Kohala region of the Big Island, started in 1997 pursuant to section 78 of Act 328, Session Laws of Hawaii 1997 (HB1590 HD1).

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1590

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the youth of our society are constantly being barraged by temptations that can adversely alter their lives forever. Students, however, can play a meaningful and significant role in the development of programs that prevent problems such as drug abuse, gang activity, and teen pregnancy.

The Hilo-Hamakua-Kohala communities have recognized the challenges that youth face and have organized themselves to recreate an economic base while maintaining a strong social fabric. One such example is the effort to unite students, government agencies, and community groups in this region.

This Act appropriates funds to support and continue the effort started in 1997 pursuant to section 78 of Act 328, Session Laws of Hawaii 1997. The sums appropriated shall be divided equally among the six participating schools and allocated by steering committees.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established in the department of education for administrative purposes, the community-based youth leadership demonstration project for the Hilo-Hamakua-Kohala region of the Big Island. The project shall focus on the formulation of activities and programs to help youth develop the skills and attitudes needed to prevent problems such as drug abuse, gang activity, and teen pregnancy. The project shall incorporate the efforts of students, the schools, relevant state and county agencies, and community organizations through the establishment of a steering committee at each participating school. Each steering committee shall allocate the funds distributed to the respective school.

(b) This project shall emphasize the importance of having students participate in the development of solutions. It shall involve students from the following middle schools and high schools in the region:

(1) Kohala high and intermediate school;

(2) Honokaa high and intermediate school;

(3) Paauilo elementary and intermediate school;

(4) Laupahoehoe high and elementary school;

(5) Kalanianaole elementary and intermediate school;

(6) Hilo high school;

(7) Keaau middle and high school; and

(8) Waiakea high school.

(c) In addition to the department of education, the department of land and natural resources, the office of youth services, the county department of parks and recreation, the county police and fire departments, and community organizations of the region shall also be invited to participate on steering committees. Together with students, the participants shall embrace four areas for action:

(1) Expansion of the variety of after-school programs available to students, with the types of activities selected by the students in partnership with the participating agencies and organizations;

(2) Creation of transportation alternatives to make it possible for students to participate in these activities;

(3) Expansion of the peer education program to encompass all high schools and middle schools in the region; and

(4) Expansion of opportunities for teachers to counsel students about critical decisions with which they will be confronted, such as responding to being offered illegal drugs.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for the community-based youth leadership demonstration project.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2003.