PBL and Civics in Hawaii

Hawaii takes a real interesting approach to the social studies curriculum. Hawaii requires four full years of social studies classes for graduation, and one of the required classes in Hawaii is "Participation in Democracy." This class usually, if done right, includes some project based learning like a Civic Action Project, Project Citizen, or something similar. I'm wondering if there are any Hawaii educators out there who could comment on what this looks like, or if there are any other states that have a course structure like this? Here in New Jersey, it's three years of straight history and the content-heavy standards make it a fight to find the time to incorporate more PBL throughout the year.