STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
GENERAL BUSINESS MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, November 16, 2023

PRESENT:
Warren Haruki, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Kahele Dukelow
Lauren Moriarty

EXCUSED:
Shanty Asher
Ken Kuraya
Makana McClellan

ALSO PRESENT:
Ahryanna McGuirk, Student Representative
David Tom, J1 Director of Staff, Military Representative
Kenneth Fink, Director of Health, Department of Health
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, Department of Education
Capsun Poe, Board Executive Director
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Warren Haruki called the Board of Education (“Board”) General Business Meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.


II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of September 7, 2023 Special Meeting, September 7, 2023 Special Meeting Executive Session, September 21, 2023 General Business Meeting Board Chairperson Haruki asked Board members to review the Board’s September 7, 2023 Special Meeting, September 7, 2023 Special Meeting Executive Session, September 21, 2023 General Business Meeting minutes.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve the Board’s September 7, 2023 Special Meeting, September 7, 2023 Special Meeting Executive Session, September 21, 2023 General Business Meeting minutes. Board Member Moriarty seconded.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Board member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

ACTION: Motion to approve the Board’s September 7, 2023 Special Meeting, September 7, 2023 Special Meeting Executive Session, September 21, 2023 General Business Meeting minutes (Barcarse/Moriarty). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.
III. Report of the Superintendent

The Board took agenda items III.A and III.B together.

Board Chairperson Haruki called on Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, to provide the report of the superintendent.

Oyadomari-Chun reported that the Department is continuously monitoring the situation relating to the Maui wildfire impacts and updates will be provided on the website. She highlighted that recent updates relate to the support for students and employees which include additional staff training, employee mental health services provided by the United States Public Health Service on campuses, and bi-weekly tests on soil and air quality which are continuing with non-detect reports at school sites.

Oyadomari-Chun shared that significant concerns were raised relating to air quality so additional monitors have been placed throughout Lahaina. She stated that the Department is tracking any changes in air quality that may happen on campuses.

Oyadomari-Chun shared an update on the progress relating to Pulelehua and explained that information from the United States Army Corps of Engineers is available online, including news releases. She expressed appreciation for the community contributions made for schools, employees, and students. Oyadomari-Chun shared that all Lahaina teachers received $1,000 from Donors Choose, Bezos Family Foundation, and The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation which has also provided grants to provide school meals at no-cost until the end of the school year. She stated that an art auction will take place with all proceeds supporting Lahaina, and Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation has partnered to receive gifts for Lahaina schools with over $500,000 in donations received to date.

Oyadomari-Chun acknowledged that dynamics are changing for families and there is a lot of movement with students moving to non-Department schools, or out of state. She reported that 3,001 students pre-registered to attend Lahaina schools with 68% of students either for in-person or distance learning, while other students have moved to other kinds of education options with students moving to non-Department schools, private schools, or charter schools, and some moving out of state. Oyadomari-Chun highlighted that across all of our schools, 2,028 students or 68% are continuing to be enrolled and actively participating.

Oyadomari-Chun shared that Lahainaluna High School celebrated its homecoming and some of its students would share about their experiences in Lahaina schools. She introduced Gary Kanamori, Principal of Princess Nahienaena Elementary, and Kaleka Manoha, Curriculum Coordinator, who is also a parent, to share about their experiences with returning to campus.

Kanamori expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share about the reopening of the schools. He emphasized that reopening was beneficial for all students and allowed families to get back to work and to handle personal business to bring about a sense of normalcy. Kanamori stated that he is sharing his campus with King Kamehameha III and continues to push forward as one community working together. He shared that there are needs that require attention and requested continued support from the United States Public Health Service, and that housing continues to be a challenge. Kanamori expressed appreciation to the Board, Lahaina community, every employee in Lahaina schools, and everyone who donated supplies for families. Kanamori stated that schools are open and everyone is happy to be back.

Kaleka Manoha shared that she was born and raised in Lahaina. She noted that given the tragedy, there has been a lot of positive being back at school which provides consistency. Manoha expressed appreciation for the support.

Haruki expressed appreciation to Kanamori and Manoha for their dedication. He noted that it is important to have students return to campus.

Chun introduced Lahainaluna High School seniors, Michaela Acosta and Lavinia "Nia" Tuavao-Tupou. Costa expressed appreciation to return to campus and shared that during spirit week, students were encouraged to embrace unity. She stated that seeing everyone support the football team was amazing and expressed appreciation to the University of Hawaii for offering free college.

Tuavao-Tupou expressed appreciation and shared concerns with student transportation since there is only one bus to bring students to school. She shared that some solutions include using Uber, but some students are uncomfortable with drivers. Tuavao-Tupou shared concerns about the red flag warnings and noted that it would be nice if students knew what was happening, and the lack of fire drills.

Haruki expressed appreciation for Acosta and Tuavao-Tupou sharing their student voices.

McGuirk expressed appreciation and stated that she is looking forward to seeing them at the state conference.

Oyadomari-Chun shared that this has been a large effort among schools and across the state.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on agenda items III.A and III.B.

Osa Tui, President, Hawaii State Teachers Association, expressed appreciation for the willingness to hear the concerns relating to Maui. He noted that concerns have been sent and requests for information at the end of October after visiting the campuses and hearing from our own members. Tui expressed agreement that the plans need to be shared with the community without jeopardizing overall school safety and expressed appreciation for the donation to provide free school meals for the remainder of the school year.

Manuel Kuloloia, member of the public, expressed appreciation to hear from the administrators and students who have been directly impacted. He also expressed appreciation to Tui for sharing comments on behalf of the teachers union and referenced the Schools Working Group of the Hawaii State House of Representatives.

Board Member Moriarty requested an update on priority standards, academic standards, and summer learning options. She expressed concern that students have lost weeks of school and expressed appreciation in terms of safety measures that have been put in place for the students to return to school. Oyadomari-Chun referenced comments shared by Manoha and noted that to address social emotional learning and academics teachers are meeting to plan and assess student progress. She explained that the Department is working on plans for the upcoming summer to provide additional learning time.

Board Member Moriarty expressed appreciation for the update and is interested in future updates if any Board action is needed to support tutoring or ongoing efforts. Oyadomari-Chun replied that Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, is traveling and shared that the focus will be on priority standards, after-school activities, and extended summer learning opportunities. She also shared that universal screeners are being used to determine student’s placement and what needs to be addressed for social-emotional learning and academics.

Board Member Arakaki expressed appreciation to hear from the principal, teacher, and students. He emphasized the importance of returning to normalcy which provides a sense of pride and the ability to speak and interact with peers.

Board Student Representative McGuirk expressed appreciation for the chance to hear students' voices and expressed support to hear more from other students.

Board Member Dukelow stated that there is a need to have more information on detailed emergency procedures and campus procedures for lockdowns. She suggested that the principals address how the procedures are being developed and implemented.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the information and recognized that the community is looking for more details. He noted that it is important for the students to share the good and the challenges.

Board Chairperson Haruki reiterated that comments were raised during the school working group and asked Curt Otaguro, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, to share an update.

Otaguro stated that regarding the student transportation concerns, there are four buses at Whalers Village being sent to different schools so the Department will need to determine the volume per school to address the issue. He noted that regarding the emergency evacuation routes, there are questions on how to share the information so it is transparent to the community, and a response on the fire evacuation drills is being developed because when buildings are on fire, it does not take into account wildfires.

Otaguro stated that the situation prompts questions on why fire drills cannot be done on a monthly basis instead of quarterly basis. He stated that the fire alarm systems, such as their central boards, are broken and alternative options are being considered to comply.

Board Chairperson Haruki noted that in addition to fire alarms and the bell system, the Board is requesting a presentation or agenda item in December to review this information as part of the supplemental budget request. He asked that, given the four buses at Whalers Village, whether buses can load and do drop-off at different campuses, and also requested a timeline and emphasized the value of pursuing the wireless options for fire alarms. Otaguro replied that the Department will provide an update at the December meeting on fire alarms.

Oyadomari-Chun noted that the free meals for students are provided by the Bezos Family Foundation, The J Willard and Susan Marriott Foundation, and Marriott International.

Board Member Dukelow asked for clarification on the amount of air monitors. Oyadomari-Chun referenced www.fire.air.gov and noted that there are three monitors at Lahainaluna High School, one monitor at the intermediate school, and one at the elementary school. She stated that the Department will discuss with DOH about the level of comfort referenced by HSTA so more information is needed to address those concerns.


IV. Discussion Items
Stephen Schatz, Executive Director of Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education (Hawaii P-20), reminded the Board about the goal “55 by 25,” means "55% of working age adults (ages 25-64 years) having a two- or four-year degree by the year 2025. He noted that there is a shift in the new goal so that Hawaii graduates are for Hawaii’s future. Schatz stated that the old goal was relating to achievement to empower individuals to meet their aspirations.

Schatz stated that goal 1 is for early education and expressed optimism about goals 2 and 3, which are aligned to the Board’s and UH’s strategic plan. He shared about the Hawaii P-20 Council and its early education grant on comprehensive literacy and preschool learning grant. Schatz noted that more has been done to get early college opportunities to create a strategic direction towards the educational pathway.

Schatz shared that Hawaii P-20 merged with the state career and technology education office, and some programs are being mapped from high schools to community colleges. He noted that one model is that Hawaii P-20 will pilot, scale and sustain in areas like kindergarten readiness, early college, and workforce development in seven complex areas.

Board Member Arakaki stated that there is Board representation on the Career and Technical Education Coordinating Advisory Council (CTECAC).

Board Member Moriarty asked what areas the Board can help with to support the efforts. Schatz stated that the Board strategic plan is aligned and he would like to pride himself on asking how the kids are doing to measure the progress. He stated that talking about numbers means knowing how we are collectively doing and collective accountability on behalf of our kids.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the presentation and echoed sentiments on ways to support and help.
Board Chairperson Haruki expressed commitment to focus on the lack of employees and stated that the importance of partners in this effort. He noted that we are trying to figure out relevance to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Schatz stated that one metric on jobs created is a good example of employers giving feedback on what is needed for healthcare and engineering partnerships to fill a need.


V. Committee Reports

Board Member and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson Arakaki reported that the Committee met on November 2, 2023. The Committee discussed two agenda items on the review of Strive HI: 2022-23 state and school performance reports, and regarding Act 174, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 (House Bill 503, Relating to Computer Science Education), and Senate Concurrent Resolution 56, 2023, requesting the Board of Education to Review Various Programs and Subject Matter Areas for Implementation in Public Schools. He highlighted that Hawaii’s Grade 4 and 8 students were amongst the lowest declines in the nation for mathematics after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Ami Pearce, member of the public, expressed concerns about Wailuku Elementary School and emphasized that health and safety is most crucial. She expressed concerns with bullying, anxiety, and frustrations including the failure to provide reasonable accommodations.


VI. Action Items

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No oral testimony was provided.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse moved to approve (1) authorize the creation of the 2024 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee as a permitted interaction group formed pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92-2.5(b)(2), with the charge and authority defined in Board Chairperson Haruki’s memorandum dated November 16, 2023; and (2) Appoint Board Chairperson Haruki and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, and Kuraya as members of the ad hoc committee, with Board Chairperson Haruki serving as chairperson of the committee; and (3) Adopt the legislative policy positions, as described in Chairperson Haruki’s memorandum dated November 16, 2023. Board Member Arakaki seconded.

Board Member Arakaki expressed appreciation to the committee chairpersons to serve and noted that the rationale makes sense. He asked what rationale was considered to have the committee chairpersons included on the ad hoc committee. Board Chairperson Haruki replied that due to a multitude of legislative topics that will need to be addressed the committee chairpersons are closer to the respective issues.

Board Member Arakaki expressed appreciation for the clarification and noted that the timeliness to address legislative issues will come up soon.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if there were any objections to the motion. No Board member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

ACTION: Motion to approve (1) authorize the creation of the 2024 Legislative Ad Hoc Committee as a permitted interaction group formed pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92-2.5(b)(2), with the charge and authority defined in Board Chairperson Haruki’s memorandum dated November 16, 2023; and (2) Appoint Board Chairperson Haruki and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, and Kuraya as members of the ad hoc committee, with Board Chairperson Haruki serving as chairperson of the committee; and (3) Adopt the legislative policy positions, as described in Chairperson Haruki’s memorandum dated November 16, 2023. (Barcarse/Arakaki). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


VII. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Haruki adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Anika AgerlieIII.A. Maui Wildfire Impacts
Hannah HokensonIII.A. Maui Wildfire Impacts
David MiyashiroHawaiiKidsCANVI.A. Board Action on designation of Board Members to an ad hoc committee (a permitted interaction group pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 92-2.5(b)(2)) concerning 2024 Legislative Session
Vanessa OttV.A. Student Achievement Committee Report on November 2, 2023 meeting
Ami PearceIII.A. Maui Wildfire Impacts