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ADVANCING CLIMATE LITERACY FOR HAWAIʻI’S FUTURE

A proposed statewide high school CERTIFICATE PROGRAM recognizing climate-ready graduates and strengthening HAWAIʻI’S education and workforce pipeline.

What is the Seal?

The Seal of Climate Literacy in Hawaiʻi is advancing through Hawaii House Bill 1925, a bill that would require the Hawaiʻi Department of Education to establish a Climate Literacy Certificate Program for high school students.

Under the proposed law, students would earn a certificate by completing at least two approved courses aligned with climate literacy standards and an experiential learning project. The program is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of climate change through academic coursework and hands-on learning grounded in local context and community priorities.

A young woman with curly blonde hair wearing a green graduation cap and gown, smiling, standing outdoors with trees and a bridge in the background.

HOW IT WORKS IN HAWAIʻI

In 2026, Representative Amy Perruso introduced Hawaii House Bill 1925, a bill relating to establishing a state climate literacy certificate program.

If enacted, the Department of Education would:

  • Establish program requirements and approve eligible courses

  • Require completion of at least two climate literacy-aligned courses

  • Require completion of an experiential learning project

  • Issue certificates of completion to qualifying students

  • Report to the Board of Education and Legislature on program implementation

The Act would take effect on July 1, 2026, with funding appropriated beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027.

HB 1925 Bill Sponsors include: Rep. Amy Perruso [D], Rep. Terez Amato [D], Rep. Tina Grandinetti [D], Rep. Daisy Hartsfield [D], Rep. Mark Hashem [D], Rep. Jeanne Kapela [D], Rep. Matthias Kusch [D], Rep. Nicole Lowen [D], Rep. Lisa Marten [D], Rep. Daynette Morikawa [D], Rep. Mahina Poepoe [D], Rep. Julie Reyes Oda [R], Rep. Kanani Souza [R], Rep. Adrian Tam [D], Rep. David Tarnas [D], Rep. Shirley Ann Templo [D], and Rep. Chris Todd [D].

WHO IT’s FOR

Elevate climate learning already happening and support a flexible, statewide framework.

❋ EDUCATORS & SCHOOLS

Advocate for recognition of your climate learning, leadership, and action.

❋ STUDENTS

Advance a voluntary, equity-centered policy that strengthens education and workforce readiness.

❋ POLICY LEADERS

Support a climate-literate talent pipeline aligned with California’s clean economy.

❋ INDUSTRY & EMPLOYERS

Stacks of bronze medals with ribbons on a green certificate or diploma.

WHY THIS MATTERS IN HAWAIʻI

Hawaiʻi is on the frontlines of climate change. Students are growing up amid sea level rise, coastal erosion, coral reef loss, intensifying storms, drought, wildfire risk, and heat impacts that affect water systems, housing, food security, and cultural resources.

The Legislature has recognized the urgency of climate action by committing the state to:

100% renewable electricity by 2045

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 50% below 2005 levels by 2030

House Bill 1925 builds on these commitments by investing in climate education to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Youth across the state — including students engaged in the Climate Future Forum and the Hawaiʻi State Youth Commission — have called for expanded climate learning and meaningful opportunities to apply their knowledge in their communities.

Part of a national movement

Hawaiʻi is joining a growing national effort to recognize climate literacy as a core educational outcome - preparing students for climate-related careers, civic leadership, and community resilience.

Stay tuned for more updates. And reach out if you are interested in supporting the movement in your state.

State & National Partners Supporting the Effort

HAWAIʻI PARTNER

CLIMATE FUTURE FORUM

The Hawai‘i Climate Future Forum (CFF) is a youth-led initiative advancing sustainable solutions to Hawai‘i’s climate challenges. Each year, we host a flagship event that brings together youth, educators, and policymakers to spark action. Beyond the event, CFF empowers youth to lead, advocate for climate policy, and shape a resilient, regenerative future for Hawai‘i.

Learn more at: https://www.climatefuturehawaii.org/

Logo with a green lightning bolt and the text 'UNDAUNTED K12' in black and green letters. 
NATIONAL PARTNER

UndauntedK12

A national climate policy and advocacy leader in K-12 education. UndauntedK12 advances the Seal across new states by aligning policy expertise, youth voice, and movement-building strategy.

Learn more at: https://www.undauntedk12.org/

Lyra logo with a stylized constellation with interconnected nodes and a lyre-shaped element in shades of red and blue. 
NATIONAL PARTNER

LYRA

Originators of the Seal of Climate Literacy and architects of its passage in Colorado. Lyra supports state implementation, resource development, and national strategy—grounded in local context and centered on rural and under-resourced communities.

Learn more at: https://www.lyracolorado.org/ 

HAWAIʻI PARTNER

HAWAIʻI STATE YOUTH COMMISSION

The Hawai‘i State Youth Commission (HiYC) is a statewide body of young leaders, ages 14-24, who engage in public-policy advocacy grounded in inclusivity, opportunity, and progress for Hawai‘i. Appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House, the 15 commissioners represent Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, and the Island of Hawai‘i, ensuring diverse youth voices help shape the state’s future.

Learn more at: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/hawaii-state-youth-commission/

Two young women standing in a theater, smiling, holding certificates and medals.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Help shape the future of climate education in Hawaiʻi.

Support the Policy
Request a Briefing
Contact the State Team