Report Title:

Public Schools; Air Conditioning

Description:

Requires the department of education to establish a priority list of public schools with the greatest need for air conditioning and to install, based on the priority list, air conditioning in schools on the priority list by set time intervals.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

903

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to schools.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that recently the focus in education has been on enhancing Hawaii's public education system to ensure the successful education of students in the public school system. Particular emphasis has been placed on governance structure, meeting educational standards, and accountability. However, as a practical matter, a key factor affecting students' ability to learn is their learning environment. In addition to the high standards that Hawaii sets for its students in the public school system, students need an environment where they can learn under conditions that are not physically uncomfortable and without unnecessary distractions from heat or outside noise. Given Hawaii's tropical climate and heat, each public school that needs air conditioning should be equipped with it so that we can ensure that students have the most conducive, comfortable learning environment to achieve the educational standards set for them.

The purpose of this Act is to require that, within a definite period of time, air conditioning is installed in all public schools that need it, based upon the priority list to be established by the department of education.

SECTION 2. Section 302A-1501, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§302A-1501[]] Noise and climate control at school facilities. (a) This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "First Things First Act."

[(a)] (b) The department shall plan for, and request appropriations necessary to implement[,] the following:

(1) [acoustic] Acoustic noise control [and air conditioning] of existing and new school facilities in areas that are [susceptible to extremes of temperature or] affected by aircraft, traffic, and other noise[.]; and

(2) Air conditioning of existing and new school facilities that the department determines are in need of air conditioning, unless the department determines that air conditioning is clearly not needed.

The department shall develop appropriate standards and consider local conditions for deciding whether acoustic noise control and air conditioning of existing and new school facilities are required for effective classroom instruction[.], including standards to justify why acoustic noise control or air conditioning is not needed. In all cases where acoustic treatment of school facilities is planned, the department shall utilize the services of individuals qualified by training and experience to recommend appropriate noise control procedures and components. Acoustic noise control and air conditioning shall be given equal weight as all other factors in the criteria used by the department in setting priorities for school construction and renovations.

[(b)] (c) In any case where air conditioners are installed in a particular school, the department may require that the approximate cost of electricity and maintenance for air conditioners not installed by the department of accounting and general services be paid by a private entity until the department establishes temperature and noise standards and a policy relating to air conditioning.

(d) Based upon the standards established as provided in subsection (b), by December 31, 2005 the department shall establish a priority list of schools that are in greatest need of air conditioning; provided that if any administrative office in a departmental school district has air conditioning, then the department shall include all schools in that district on the priority list to have air conditioning installed. Based on the priority list, air conditioning shall be installed in school facilities on the list as follows:

(1) First twenty per cent of schools on the priority list by December 31, 2006;

(2) Second twenty per cent of schools on the priority list by December 31, 2007;

(3) Third twenty per cent of schools on the priority list by December 31, 2008;

(4) Fourth twenty per cent of schools on the priority list by December 31, 2009; and

(5) Fifth twenty per cent of schools on the priority list by December 31, 2010."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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