Report Title:

Drug prevention; education

Description:

Establishes an age appropriate drug prevention program in all public schools.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2850

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO DRUG PREVENTION EDUCATION.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that addressing the drug problem in the state requires a comprehensive approach, and that prevention of illicit drug use through education is a key component in that approach. The legislature further finds that the Kamehameha Schools developed an age appropriate program called "E Ola Pono" in an effort to address substance abuse. The program is a curriculum consisting of 13 lesson plans with each lesson featuring activities that teach a Hawaiian value or concept that relates to substance abuse and is used either in its entirety or as a supplement to existing violence, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention programs. Lessons incorporate risk taking behavior awareness and prevention and dovetail into the curriculum.

The legislature further finds that prior to the implementation of the E Ola Pono program, Native Hawaiian drug use at the 6th grade and 12th grade levels were surveyed at higher levels than statewide averages for the same age group. According to a 1999 Kingle & Miller study commissioned by the Department of Health regarding student alcohol and drug use, 6th grade data is significant because studies show that delayed onset of first use decreases the likelihood of substance abuse later in life. While biannual survey results from the Department of Health show that Native Hawaiian 6th graders still trend higher than 6th grade students statewide for use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, methamphetamines, and cocaine, the biannual survey also shows reduction of use in all categories from 1998. The E Ola Pono program is currently scheduled to be replaced by a revised curriculum.

The legislature finds that since the E Ola Pono program was successful, a program incorporating positive values for drug education should also be instituted in the public schools. The purpose of this Act is to establish a drug education program using positive values in Hawaii's public school system.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $__________, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for the establishment of an age appropriate drug prevention program for all public schools in the State.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.

 

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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