STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, September 7, 2023
*This meeting was a remote meeting under Section 92-3.7, Hawaii Revised Statutes. The meeting recording is available here.

PRESENT:
Warren Haruki, Chairperson
Kaimana Barcarse, Vice Chairperson
Bill Arakaki
Shanty Asher
Kahele Dukelow
Ken Kuraya

EXCUSED:
Makana McClellan
Lauren Moriarty

ALSO PRESENT:
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Rebecca Winkie, Complex Area Superintendent, Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area Stacy Bookland, Principal, Lahaina Intermediate School
Richard Carosso, Principal, Lahainaluna Elementary School
Kenyon Tam, Board Analyst
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Board Chairperson Warren Haruki called the Board of Education (“Board”) Special Meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Board Chairperson Haruki, Board Vice Chairperson Kaimana Barcarse, and Board Members Bill Arakaki, Shanty Asher, Kahele Dukelow, and Ken Kuraya were present.


II. Report of the Superintendent
Board Chairperson Haruki called on Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education (“Department”), to provide his report.

Hayashi introduced Rebecca Winkie, Complex Area Superintendent (“CAS”), Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex Area; Desiree Sides, CAS, Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area; Stacy Bookland, Principal, Lahaina Intermediate School; and Richard Carosso, Principal, Lahainaluna Elementary School. Hayashi explained that the Department’s response relating to the Maui wildfire impacts continues to evolve with the best information available at the time.

Hayashi stated that the Department remains on track to reopen Lahaina schools by mid-October pending the results of environmental testing. He encouraged families to consider temporarily enrolling their students at other schools or applying for the distance-learning program if their situation allows. Hayashi expressed understanding that families are dealing with different situations and circumstances. He described free bus transportation for students who decide to attend other schools temporarily and a soft launch took place this morning, which picked up students from Whalers Village, and the Kapalua airport. Hayashi clarified that students need to enroll in other schools in order to ride the bus. He also noted that school and complex area staff would be on the buses to support students, including security at the pickup and drop off locations. Hayashi expressed appreciation to the Department of Transportation and the Whalers Village management team for allowing the Department to use the areas for drop-off and pick-up. He stated that the bus schedules are posted on the Department’s website and on September 14, 2023 bus service would begin for Lahainaluna High School students who would meet temporarily at Kulanihakoi High School.

Hayashi shared about the Department’s efforts to contact families since the wildfires happened on August 8, 2023 to support and account for students. He explained that a team of 60 staff members is working to contact families and the nearly 3,000 students enrolled at Lahaina schools. Hayashi stated that as of last week 1,200 students have not made contact or re-enrolled elsewhere. He stated that Department staff spoke with 637 families, left phone messages for 466 families, and is actively working to reach 45 families. Hayashi invited Winkie and Bookland to share about their experience, both as school leaders and Lahaina residents.

Bookland described watching students getting on the school bus this morning. She briefed the Board about the events of August 8, 2023 and the extremely dangerous conditions. Bookland explained that as she prepared to leave campus a fire started and while calling emergency services she attempted to put the fire out with hoses. She stated that the smoke was too thick and the situation was scary so she decided to leave and recounted that while leaving she saw homes engulfed in flames. Bookland expressed appreciation for allowing her to share her story and emphasized that Lahaina is strong.

Winkie shared that she is available for questions relating to efforts in Lahaina.

Hayashi stated that the personal safety of all school leaders was in jeopardy and emphasized that the first thing that came to mind was how to save their school. He noted that since the beginning the top priority is about caring for people who need access to services. Hayashi shared that staff from all schools gathered together to learn how to best support each other to navigate forward.

Hayashi stated that community liaisons continue to connect with families in shelters to offer support and account for students. He shared that psychological first aid training aims to raise awareness and increase services for students who experience traumatic events. Hayashi reiterated that the Department would work on short- and long-term plans to address the needs of students and staff.

Hayashi stated that the plan is to reopen schools as soon as possible when it is safe to do so. He shared that reopening schools is a critical first step to heal communities and noted that schools would undergo environmental assessments. Hayashi stated that King Kamehameha III School campus was destroyed by the fire and work is being done on water quality, professional cleaning, and evacuation plans. He emphasized that getting students back on campus is a priority following fall break for schools’ programs.

Hayashi stated that the Department has been having discussions with the community as a part of a coordinated effort and noted that the Department looks forward to working together to move forward. He shared updated information reflecting that the current snapshot of the 3,000 enrolled students at the start of the new school year (782 enrolled, 907 in distance learning, 345 charter or private schools or withdrawn) and shared that the Department is actively reaching out to families although some may have moved out of state.

Sides expressed support for work with staff and students. She recognized that this would be a transition and through this impact, these students have their own experiences and noted that this has been a challenge. Sides stated that the wellbeing of everyone is important and there are thoughtful plans being put in place. She assured the Board that things are happening to support students.

Hayashi expressed appreciation for CAS Winkie and CAS Sides and the leaders at schools who have pulled together to support our students and families.

Hayashi expressed appreciation for Bookland sharing her story, acknowledged that everyone is ready to reopen and there are families looking for in-person learning, and expressed appreciation to Hayashi, Sides, and Winkie for staying in Lahainaluna as one.

Carosso shared about touring the Kulanihakoi campus to prepare from a facilities and an emotional standpoint to be ready to accept students when it is time to return to campus.

Hayashi outlined the ongoing support from community liaisons and shared the following key takeaways: (1) parents and students want school to start sooner than the mid-fall target date; (2) parents want an option on the west side for their families during the transition to school reopening; (3) parents are concerned about bussing students; (4) some individuals reported not receiving information from the Department; and (5) stakeholders want to provide input for planning. He also shared about the ways that the Department is working to strengthen communication.

Board Chairperson Haruki expressed appreciation to Winkie, Sides, Bookland, and Carosso for sharing about ongoing efforts.

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

Jessica Caiazzo, Hawaii Parents United, testified that the Board should hold its meeting in Maui, because it is inappropriate to discuss Lahaina on Oahu. Caiazzo stated that she spoke to teachers, parents, and students about the lack of communication. Caiazzo strongly suggested hosting community events to create an environment to have children live a little.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, expressed concern relating to the number of missing children. She noted that it has been a month since the wildfires and emphasized that there is an urgency to understand where the children are.

Cynthia Bartlett, Project Educate Parents, testified that after a crisis there is another danger, relating to rights. She noted that it is great to offer mental health at schools and that transparency is critical.

Mara Hollaway, member of the public, reiterated that communication should be clear since the numbers show many students have not re-enrolled. She asked if the Department went into the community and shared that Department representatives only visited Lahaina a day after.

Sheryl Bieler, member of the public, expressed concern that on social media there have been reports about bullying. She strongly suggested that the school get everyone together because bullying is unacceptable.

Enoka-Shayne Bingo, member of the public, requested waivers to help the community assist given that there are so many children missing. He stated that he would sign a waiver to help find the children.

BlessingS de La Cruz, Ko Hawaii Pae Aina, testified that the information is not enough and she is invoking her diplomatic immunity.

Vivo Hector, CV4CR INC, testified and notified the Board that under common law 56F, it is illegal and emphasized that the entire experience has been horrible. Hector suggested creating a resource center to provide support for parents to have communication since there is so much confusion.

Wallyn Christian, member of the public, testified that since the fires started families have seen a lack of action and asked the Board to consider families who lost their children. She stated that parents, children, and babies drowned and there are community members who want to provide the resources and are willing to help.

Mary Healy, member of the public, testified that she does not understand why the Department does not have accurate information, which is causing fear and confusion. She emphasized that the amount of children missing is serious and individuals are ready to help.

Whalen Christian, member of the public, suggested that the Department look at last school year class rosters to identify the unaccounted keiki (children).

Board Chairperson Haruki asked Hayashi to provide clarity on the number of students that are currently unaccounted for.

Armstrong explained that it has taken awhile to account for all students because it was chaotic at one point. She shared that the Department began to take action after the tragedy and that staff and liaisons went into the shelters to find children. Armstrong stated that when shelters closed, additional efforts were made to locate students, including reaching out to partners from charter and private schools. She noted that the distance learning program experienced unprecedented growth with enrollment growing from 200 to 900 students, so the Department needed to increase staffing and make computers available. She clarified that the list of students unaccounted for was 1,149, and that the Department used this number to start making phone calls, spoke with 637 families, and left messages for 466 families. Armstrong stated that currently there are 48 calls remaining and emphasized that the Department would continue to work to make personal contact with families.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if it is safe to assume that the children of the 637 families are safe. Armstrong replied that the Department asks if the children are safe and noted that these calls are hard to make. She stated that the Maui police department provides official death notifications and the Department would closely monitor the missing person list.

Hayashi expressed appreciation for Armstrong and her team who have done their best to reach out and that the Department would continue to reach out to families.

Board Chairperson Haruki referenced slide 11, and asked if the 782 number reflects students enrolled in other schools. Hayashi confirmed that the number reflects the amount of students enrolled in 44 other schools.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked about the enrollment for the distance-learning program. Hayashi replied that parents, including a waitlist, have enrolled 907 students. Haruki asked if 345 withdrew or went to other schools. Hayashi confirmed that 345 went to other schools.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if the remainder includes the students bussed from Kapalua Airport and Whalers Village to other schools. Hayashi replied that the students bussed to other campuses reflects the number of students enrolled in other schools.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if the Department has contacted over 600 families. Hayashi confirmed that this is correct.

Board Chairperson Haruki stated that he would like the Department to clarify the number of students referenced.

Board Member Dukelow asked for a point of clarification on the terms unaccounted for versus contact because she believes there is confusion. Armstrong explained that staff trying to contact families face issues. She expressed understanding that everyone would like to receive a personal call and check-in is warranted, but the Department needed to determine where to start.

Board Chairperson Haruki stated that the Department could not have a number that is higher than the Maui Police Department and that clear communication is necessary.

Armstrong stated that the Department could provide more specific information based on various situations for students.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse expressed appreciation for the steps to identify where students are and asked if there are 48 families that the Department has been unable to contact. Armstrong stated that as of yesterday that amount reflects those families that the Department has not called or left voicemail messages. She explained that for 466 families, the Department has made calls, left messages, or were unable to leave voicemail.

Board Member Arakaki asked if groups could help the Department. He expressed support for thinking of ways to gather information. Hayashi replied that the Department is looking for a consistent process including gathering additional information relating to plans that each family would like to pursue in terms of schooling.

Board Member Asher conveyed her apologies to the families of Lahaina and recognized the Department for its work. She asked that the Department include community liaisons in community meetings and emphasized that the community can help to gather information to bring people together to capture the information and be there for families. Board Member Asher reminded everyone to stand united for our students.

Board Member Kuraya asked for clarification regarding the 1,149 students. Armstrong stated that the Department has no information on 1,149 students, but of this number, 637 families indicated different plans for their students. She explained that the purpose of the calls was to account for the students.

Board Member Kuraya stated that the number would be reduced since some students are going out of state. Armstrong stated that the Department needs to make verbal contact with 48 families.

Hayashi stated that the Department would provide additional information with accurate updates. Board Chairperson Haruki asked to share the information with the public on a daily basis to show what work has been done. Board Member Kuraya emphasized the importance of showing the public the work that is happening.

Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse acknowledged that it is hard to get the numbers but noted that it is not because the Department is not trying.

Board Member Dukelow stated that some families have moved several times and it is not as simple as it would have been prior to the fires. Hayashi shared that families have called the Department to share details about their students.

Board Chairperson Haruki asked for clarification on the reopening including the ongoing testing relating to school campuses. He encouraged the Department to provide messages to the community with more information relating to the reopening to address concerns from the community. Board Chairperson Haruki expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts.


III. Executive Session
This portion of the meeting was closed under Section 92-4 and Section 92-5(a)(3), Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Board Chairperson Haruki stated that the Board would need to move into executive session to deliberate on the conduct of labor negotiations with the Hawaii Government Employees Association (“HGEA”).

Board Chairperson Haruki asked if there were any objections to entering into executive session to deliberate on the conduct of labor negotiations with the HGEA. No Board member raised objections, and the motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present (Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Dukelow, Kuraya, and Moriarty).

ACTION: Motion to enter into executive session to deliberate on the conduct of labor negotiations with the HGEA. The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.

The meeting recessed at 2:56 p.m. and reconvened at 3:29 p.m.


IV. Action Items

Board Chairperson Haruki called for public testimony on this agenda item. No one testified on this agenda item.

Board Member Asher moved to authorize Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse to serve on the employer negotiation team for successor bargaining with HGEA Bargaining Unit 6 on behalf of the Board to provide input on the Board’s positions in accordance with advice provided by Board members in executive session. Board Member Kuraya 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 (Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse and Board Members Arakaki, Asher, Dukelow, and Kuraya).

ACTION: Motion to authorize Board Vice Chairperson Barcarse to serve on the employer negotiation team for successor bargaining with HGEA Bargaining Unit 6 on behalf of the Board to provide input on the Board’s positions in accordance with advice provided by Board members in executive session (Asher/Kuraya). The motion carried through unanimous consent from all members present.


V. Adjournment

Board Chairperson Haruki announced that as the former Chairperson and CEO of Maui Land and Pineapple, he has gained an intimate knowledge of the Lahaina area. He shared that if any lands were considered for purchase he plans to recuse himself from voting and does not have any financial interest in Pulelehua.

Board Chairperson Haruki adjourned the meeting at 3:33 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
Victoria ZupancicII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Cheryl BurghardtII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Katie HeddenII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Kim NolascoII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Susan Pcola-DavisII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Kacie SeitzII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Carol NII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Mara HollawayII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Donnell ThomasII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Haley van Weemen van NoordII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts
Kelly ShimabukuroII. Report of the Superintendent, Maui Wildfire Impacts