Lawmakers on Maui have introduced a bill that would establish a three-year pilot program to be administered by the Hawaii Department of Education aimed at paying for intra-county student-athlete travel.
House Bill 88, introduced by Rep. Mahina Poepoe (Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna and Kīpahulu) includes a finding by the Legislature that “the benefits of providing students with opportunities to participate in athletics extend beyond improved physical fitness. Multiple studies have concluded that student athletes tend to have higher academic achievement compared to non-athletes and have suggested that participating in sports improves discipline and time management, resulting in improved grades, graduation rates and career outcomes.”
Lawmakers on Maui have introduced a bill that would establish a three-year pilot program to be administered by the Hawaii Department of Education aimed at paying for intra-county student-athlete travel.
House Bill 88, introduced by Rep. Mahina Poepoe (Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe, portion of Kahului, Ha‘ikū, Pe‘ahi, Huelo, Nāhiku, Hāna and Kīpahulu) includes a finding by the Legislature that “the benefits of providing students with opportunities to participate in athletics extend beyond improved physical fitness. Multiple studies have concluded that student athletes tend to have higher academic achievement compared to non-athletes and have suggested that participating in sports improves discipline and time management, resulting in improved grades, graduation rates and career outcomes.”
According to Maui Now, the bill also notes that Maui County athletes face “unique and burdensome challenges” when attending athletic competitions within the county, including air and sea travel and access to reasonable accommodations.
The bill requires the Department of Education to submit a report of its findings and recommendations on the pilot program no later than 20 days before the beginning of the legislative session in 2028.
If enacted into law, the bill would take effect July 1 and repeal on June 30, 2028.
