Hawaiʻi begins fight for free period products for students in the Senate
“‘We are one of the poorest schools in the state of Hawaiʻi,’ Passantino said. ‘Most of our students come from low-income housing. We have a very diverse demographic.’
‘So when you take those indicators, and you look at them into play, then you realize — and I think we are charging young ladies 25 cents a pad. So what if these kids didn’t have it right? It becomes like a challenge for them and then is that how we want to operate?’ Passantino said.
SB2821 is the first of three period poverty bills to receive a hearing. The Senate Committee on Education will take up the issue Friday afternoon.”