Every year, Hawai‘i’s leaders promise to focus on the next generation, but for too long, systemic issues — like food insecurity, education gaps and rising public health crises — have gone unaddressed. The 2025 legislative session offers some hope, with a slate of bills aimed at supporting Hawai‘i’s youth.

These bills represent solutions that are practical, impactful, and in some cases, long overdue. And while most are progressing, some of them stalled as the deadline passed late last week for measures to reach the final committee in their originating chamber.

Among the victims: the governor’s proposals to discourage teen vaping.

Time and priorities in the State Capitol are limited, and bold visions for the future often collide with the slow grind of bureaucracy.

For Hawai‘i’s youth, however, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Civic education: It’s the foundation of any functioning democracy, and Hawai‘i is no exception. House Bill 763 seeks to establish a Civic Education Trust Fund to reverse the decline in civic knowledge among our students. The fund would support programs to teach students how government works with both public and private money.

This isn’t just about a line item in a budget. It’s about empowering our next generation to shape the future of Hawai‘i. The bill passed out of the Education Committee unanimously and is making its way through the process. With minimal fiscal impact and the ability to attract private funding, this measure is a no-brainer.

Fighting hunger: Hunger doesn’t belong in Hawai‘i’s classrooms. Yet, for many families, school meals are the only source of consistent nutrition their children receive. House Bill 1075 aims to reduce meal costs by requiring schools to recover only one-quarter of the cost of meal preparation, instead of the current one-half.

This change might seem small, but it could significantly increase participation in school meal programs and reduce the stigma many students feel about needing help.

The bill is moving forward in the House, having passed its first committee Tuesday.

Cell phones in classrooms: Ask any teacher, and they’ll tell you that managing cell phones in classrooms is one of their biggest challenges. House Bill 1343 takes on this issue by proposing a statewide ban on cell phone use during school hours.

The bill highlights research showing that phones distract students, reduce academic performance, and even hinder social development. Teachers in Hawai‘i who have implemented similar policies report better focus in class and more engagement between students.

Seven other measures for student cell phone bans were introduced this session, but this is the only one that has passed a committee, giving it life beyond this week.

Protecting minors: Since 2018, there’s been a nationwide push to ban child marriage by requiring both parties of a marriage to be at least 18 years old.

Currently, Hawai‘i still allows minors as young as 16 to marry with parental or judicial consent. House Bill 729 would raise the minimum marriage age to 18, closing loopholes that have too often enabled child exploitation.

The bill passed the House floor last week and now heads to the Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs Committee. But it’s worth asking: Why did it take so long for this common-sense measure to gain traction? This is the kind of policy that should be championed without hesitation, yet the bill still received a “no” vote from Rep. Elijah Pierick in its most recent floor vote.

Youth vaping: Hawai‘i’s youth vaping rates are among the highest in the country, and the consequences are dire. And, if you think its just a high school problem, think again. Teachers report seeing kids as young as second grade using e-cigarettes.

Senate Bill 1435 proposed banning flavored tobacco products, a favorite among young users, by July 1, 2026. Another measure, Senate Bill 1436, would have given counties the power to enact stricter regulations on vaping products. Both bills were part of the governor’s package, but both have died for this session without receiving hearings.

Financial and media literacy: In a rapidly changing world, students need more than the typical subjects. House Bill 619 focuses on financial literacy, ensuring students learn essential skills like budgeting, saving, and investing. As multiple legislators submitted similar bills, it’s likely the idea will make it through
the House, and it’s already passed the Education Committee.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 772, which addresses media literacy and aims to equip students to navigate misinformation and online hate speech, has yet to receive a hearing.

E-bike safety: Electric bicycles are becoming a popular form of transportation, but with their rise comes the need for regulation. Several legislators have authored bills to increase e-bike safety and, at least four, are moving through the House. House Bill 708 and House Bill 486 offer targeted solutions, aiming to establish insurance requirements and prohibit dangerous modifications.

House Bill 958 and House Bill 435 take a more comprehensive approach by increasing age requirements, mandating helmets for all persons under 18, and requiring both wheel to remain on the ground when the bike is in use. The latter bill has cleared the Transportation Committee and is now headed for Judiciary.

While many of these measure are moving ahead, some are not — so far.

Let’s hope our leaders remember what’s at stake. They have the opportunity to make real, tangible improvements in the lives of Hawai‘i’s young people. The question is whether they’ll seize it.