STAND. COM. REP. NO.2556

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: S.B. No. 2035

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2035 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to statutorily establish the Hawaii State Student Council.

Your Committee finds that the Board of Education established the Hawaii State Student Council in 1972. Since then, students have been able to participate in many formal activities organized by the Conference such as Children's Youth Day, the State Student Conference, and student leadership workshops. The Hawaii State Student Council is a mechanism for students to develop leadership skills, voice their opinions, learn how to cooperate and negotiate, and contribute through community service activities. The valuable learning techniques provided through students' participation in the Conference enhance their passage into the adult world.

Your Committee finds that the next logical step of establishing the Hawaii State Student Council by statute will formalize its membership, governance, and participation. The Department of Education provides funding and a staff advisor. The Hawaii State Student Council also makes regular reports to the Board of Education and selects a public high school student as a nonvoting member of the Board, as required by the state constitution.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2035 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair