The Hawaii Legislature is back in business. And if what Senate President Donna Mercado Kim holds true, improvements to the state’s education system are high priority for this year’s lawmakers. 

One of the biggest pushes this year is for a state-run early education program. The governor’s office already has a blueprint in place, and now it’s up to the Legislature as to how much it wants to invest in the program. 

But Mercado Kim alluded to other efforts, too.

“While we consider early childhood education proposals, it’ s imperative that we resolve our problems with the teachers’ contract, school bus services, and the many challenges facing the Department of Education and our charter schools,” she said in her opening remarks.

Limited funding and escalating costs are at the root of those problems. Mercado Kim called on the governor’s administration to help legislators eliminate salary overpayments to state workers and abuses in overtime and sick leave — trends that she said cost taxpayers millions of dollars. 

The money, she said, could in part be used to fix the state’s schools. (Tell us which ones you think need it most!)

“The collapse of the Farrington High School’s auditorium-roof was a loud warning, that we need to quickly assess the structural soundness of our aging facilities.  Fortunately no one was injured, but we may not be so lucky the next time.”

Mercado Kim also touched on the Wonder Blunder, noting that Higher Education Chair Brian Taniguchi will be ensuring the University of Hawaii improves its transparency.

Lastly, the Senate Education Committee, thanks to Chair Jill Tokuda, will now be using video conferencing in its hearings so that neighbor island residents can participate.