State Rep. John Mizuno says he plans to introduce a bill that would require the Department of Education to adopt rules against school and online bullying.

The bill directs schools to develop a procedure for students and parents to confidentially report to school officials incidents of bullying or cyber-bullying.

It would also have schools develop a formal investigation process and disciplinary procedures for students who have bullied others.

Mizuno said in a statement yesterday that bullying and cyber-bullying are a problem in Hawaii and should be properly addressed.

Mizuno (D, Kalihi) says he’s submitting the bill in response to President Barack Obama’s anti-bullying message