SB1012 would create the Imagination Library of Hawaii Program within the Executive Office on Early Learning. The program is intended to provide one free age-appropriate book each month to eligible children, defined as Hawaii residents from birth through age five. The office would be required to contract with a nonprofit organization to run the program, and that nonprofit would also be responsible for helping build and expand local book-gifting efforts, recruiting community partners, and coordinating with a national nonprofit foundation that supplies the books.
The bill also includes a state appropriation for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund implementation, with the exact amount left blank in the introduced text. The Executive Office on Early Learning would administer the funds, and the office would be authorized to adopt rules under chapter 91 to carry out the program. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
If enacted, SB1012 would add a new section to chapter 302L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, establishing a statewide early literacy/book-distribution program for young children. It would create a new ongoing administrative responsibility for the Executive Office on Early Learning, authorize rulemaking, and require state spending from general revenues to support the program. The bill would also formalize a public-private partnership model by requiring a nonprofit implementer to contribute at least 50 percent of program funding and coordinate with a national foundation and local community partners.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive or supportive sentiment, as the bill is framed as an early learning and literacy initiative and was referred to the Senate Education and Ways and Means committees without any recorded opposition in the provided materials. No committee transcript or vote record is included, so there is no direct evidence of debate, but the bill’s structure indicates an emphasis on broad access to books for young children and community-based implementation.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are fiscal and administrative rather than policy direction. Because the bill appropriates general funds and leaves the dollar amount blank in the introduced text, lawmakers may scrutinize the cost and the state’s share of funding. Another possible issue is the requirement that the nonprofit provide at least 50 percent of program funds and manage local outreach and partnerships, which could raise questions about feasibility, oversight, and the reliability of the nonprofit funding model. No specific objections or supporters are identified in the provided record.
Revised for 1st substitute: Transferring early literacy programs from the department of children, youth, and families to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.