HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R. NO.
177
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE RESOLUTION
urging the department of education to begin initiatives to address teacher retention in the state.
WHEREAS, teachers play an essential role in shaping school environments, fostering student engagement, and providing mentorship and guidance to the next generation, serving as the foundation of Hawaii's public education system; and
WHEREAS, teacher retention continues to present a significant challenge across the State, with approximately fifty percent of teachers leaving the profession within their initial five years of teaching and approximately ten percent of teachers, or roughly one thousand three hundred educators, departing the profession annually; and
WHEREAS, during the 2024–2025 school year, nearly fifty percent of newly hired teachers entered the classroom without full licensure, underscoring ongoing workforce shortages and the urgent need to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii's high cost of living continues to be a major factor contributing to teacher attrition, as entry-level teacher salaries begin slightly above $50,000 annually for those with a bachelor's degree and may not include step increases until tenure is achieved after approximately five years of service, while emergency hires may earn salaries closer to $38,500 annually; and
WHEREAS, these salary levels often leave educators rent-burdened and struggling to secure stable housing, particularly in communities where housing costs significantly outpace wages; and
WHEREAS, rural and neighbor island communities face additional barriers to teacher retention, including geographic isolation, limited housing availability, and increased workloads due to staffing shortages, making it especially challenging to recruit and retain experienced educators in these regions; and
WHEREAS, this body recognizes teacher retention as a critical issue impacting the strength and stability of Hawaii's public education system; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Education is urged to begin initiatives to address teacher retention in the State; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is urged to conduct research, data collection, and analysis to better understand the factors contributing to teacher attrition in Hawaii, including educator experiences, compensation, housing challenges, and regional workforce needs, and inform policy solutions that strengthen teacher retention; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is urged to encourage schools, community organizations, and local partners to uplift and support educators through expanded recognition and appreciation efforts throughout the year, building upon existing initiatives such as Teacher Appreciation Week; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is urged to establish an advisory board to provide recommendations on strategies to improve teacher retention across the State, with membership that includes:
(1) Public school educators representing elementary, middle, intermediate, and high school levels;
(2) Students from the City and County of Honolulu and the Counties of Hawaiʻi, Maui, and Kauai; and
(3) Community members with experience in education, ensuring diverse regional and educational perspectives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Education, and Superintendent of Education.
OFFERED BY:
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Report Title:
Department of Education; Teacher Retention