Requires the Department of Education to establish a two-year Student-Authored Book Publication Pilot Program. Authorizes the Pilot Program to be conducted for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at up to five Kalihi public , the official text

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2877

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

C.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

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

SECTION 1.  (a)  The department of education shall establish a
two-year student-authored
book publication pilot
program in which students research, write, and publish original works.  The pilot program shall begin in the
2026-2027 school year and be completed no later than the conclusion of the 2027‑2028
school year.  The pilot program shall be
designed to strengthen literacy, analytical thinking, and communication skills;
increase student engagement and confidence; support students' academic
progression and preparation for postsecondary education; and foster connections
to culture and community.

(b)
The student-authored book publication pilot program may be conducted at up
to five Kalihi public elementary schools and up to five Nanakuli-Waianae public
elementary schools on an opt-in basis and made available to students in grades
four, five, and six; provided that the pilot program shall be integrated into
the existing grade level curricula of participating schools as a capstone.

(c)
Under the student-authored book publication pilot program:

(1)  Each
teacher for grades four through six at participating schools may select a topic
for their class relating to Hawaiian culture, the local community, or a
personal story; and

(2)  Using
a classroom student book publishing program, each student shall write and
illustrate a standard size online book on the selected topic; provided that the
dimensions and length of the book shall be determined by the teacher according
to available funds.

(d)  Each
teacher at participating schools shall receive a budget to implement the
student-authored book publication pilot program in their classroom.

(e)
The principal of each participating school shall submit a report on the
student-authored book publication pilot program to the legislature no later
than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2029.  The report shall include:

(1)  Assessments
of the pilot program's implementation, student outcomes, and the feasibility of
continuing or expanding the pilot program; and

(2)  Additional
findings and recommendations.

SECTION 2.
There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii
the sum of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year
2026-2027 for the establishment of the student-authored book publication pilot
program, to be distributed to participating schools based on the number of
students and cost of books.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by
the department of education for the purposes of this Act; provided that the sum
appropriated shall only be expended if private sources supply matching funds of
not less than twenty-five per cent of the appropriated sum; provided further
that any unencumbered funds shall lapse to the credit of the general fund on June
30, 2028.

SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.