Behavior Supports and BIPs in Hawaii
How do behavior supports work in a Hawaii IEP?
Hawaii requires that IEP teams consider positive behavioral interventions and supports when a student's behavior impedes the student's learning or that of others, consistent with HAR § 8-56-28(c)(3) and 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i). HIDOE has adopted a statewide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework across all schools, which informs both general education behavior management and special education behavioral interventions. When a student's behavior is an area of concern, the IEP team must consider conducting a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and developing a behavioral intervention plan (BIP). Hawaii's restraint and seclusion policies (HAR § 8-19) intersect with behavioral supports by requiring positive behavioral support planning before resorting to restrictive interventions. HIDOE's single-district structure means PBIS training and behavioral support resources are coordinated centrally, providing consistent access to behavioral specialists across the state, though neighbor island access can still be challenging.
What Hawaii Requires
When a student's behavior impedes their own learning or that of others, the IEP team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, to address that behavior (HAR § 8-56-28(c)(3); 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
The IEP team should consider conducting a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) when behavior is a concern, and develop or revise a behavioral intervention plan (BIP) as appropriate (HAR § 8-56-28; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
HIDOE operates a statewide PBIS framework — all schools are expected to implement tiered behavioral supports consistent with HIDOE's MTSS framework (HRS § 302A-101).
If a student's placement changes due to behavior (discipline), an FBA must be conducted and a BIP developed or reviewed as part of the manifestation determination process (HAR § 8-56-47; 34 CFR 300.530(f)(1)(ii)).
Behavioral supports provided as related services (counseling, psychological services, social work services) must be specified in the IEP with frequency, location, and duration (HAR § 8-56-28(b)(4), (7)).
Key Timelines
FBA/BIP must be conducted or reviewed within 10 school days when a disciplinary change of placement occurs and the behavior is a manifestation of the disability (HAR § 8-56-47; 34 CFR 300.530(f)).
Behavioral intervention plans must be reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting or sooner if behavioral incidents escalate (HAR § 8-56-32).
If a manifestation determination is required under discipline procedures, it must be completed within 10 school days of the decision to change placement (HAR § 8-56-47; 34 CFR 300.530(e)).