What is the impact of including new century charter schools in the definition of “public schools”?
As explained above, the amendment causes the misapplication of sections in chapter 302A to new century charter schools. • B.What options are available to the Legislature based on the study’s findings? Answer: The Legislature can respond in one of four ways, or a combination thereof. First, the Legislature can repeal section 5 of Act 51, Session Laws of Hawaii 2004, to leave the law the way it currently exists, without changing the definition of “public schools.” Second, the Legislature can do nothing, thereby allowing the amendment changing the definition of “public schools” to take effect. Third, the Legislature can amend section 302A-1184, HRS, relating to new century charter school exemptions to state law to clarify which specific sections of chapter 302A apply to charter schools. Fourth, the Legislature can amend appropriate sections of chapter 302A, HRS, to indicate their applicability to new century charter schools.
