Reasonable people can quibble over elements in the campaign for a Laupahoehoe school charter as its advocates moved through the approvals obstacle course. They could argue about whether or not its financial plan was viable, whether or not proponents are proceeding correctly toward electing a school board. Some of the dispute may stem from a need for more clarity in the law underpinning the charter schools system.

Kanahele-Mossman delivered an oli kahea commencing the traditional Kipaepae
ceremonies that would welcome her as the new Poʻokumu of Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo
Hawaiian Immersion School in Keaukaha. This momentous occasion attended by
students, staff, Local School Board representatives, family, Keaukaha community
members, and supporters marks an important time in Ka ʻUmekeʻs development as we
move into our second decade as a public charter school, seek accreditation, develop new

Congresswoman Hirono Supports Measure

Washington, D.C.– Charter schools around the nation—including 31 in Hawaii—will receive more scrutiny and also the opportunity to strengthen academic programs with federal funds, should legislation passed today in the U.S. House become law.

Charter schools represent an example of an improvement that is trickier to manage than it sounds. In theory, few would dispute the contention that independent schools with a distinct mission, untethered from an educational bureaucracy, can operate more freely and produce the thing that’s too often missing in public education: innovation.

The state Legislature took small steps this session to enhance oversight and public disclosure for charter schools, and lawmakers plan to work with the charter community on big-picture changes for the system.