Education

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Educating our children is the greatest investment we can make in our future.  While we cannot know all of the challenges they will face, we can give them the tools to be successful, and to grow a stronger, more sustainable Hawaii.

I am a proud graduate of McKinley High School.  My son, Kenny, went to Maryland’s public schools, and my first wife, Maggie, a graduate of Roosevelt High School, was a teacher.  I wholeheartedly believe in our system of public education system.  I will continue to do all that I can to assist our schools in providing quality educational opportunities for our children, and to support our teachers and principals with the resources they need to do their jobs.  Rather than sit back and be critical, we must lean forward and ask, “How can I help?”  It is our collective community responsibility.

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I am also a proud graduate of the University of Hawaii, greatly benefiting from the GI Bill after returning home after World War II.  In the subsequent generations however, there was almost a sense of resignation that a son or daughter “ended up” at the University.  No more.  We have worked hard to establish excellence in a variety of disciplines from oceanography, volcanology, astronomy, to Hawaiian studies and language.  Our law school, medical, nursing and pharmacy schools and our business school attract top-notch faculty and students which ensure a trained cadre of Hawaii professionals to address the needs in our community.  The University’s statewide community colleges provide training to meet our diverse employment needs from construction, tourism, healthcare to computer sciences.  I am pleased to support the University’s many good works which raise our collective educational base.  Whether 2-year or doctorate, we must prepare our students to achieve to their fullest and to become contributing members of the community.  That is done with education, self-confidence and hope.

Below are some of my educational accomplishments for Hawaii:

Title I

Title I is a national education program which assists underachieving children from low-income communities.  Annually Hawaii receives approximately $46 million to provide additional resources including remedial materials, additional teachers, specialized programs to support basic ready and math, as well as after-school homework support and tutors to help keep children from disadvantaged home settings from falling behind their peers.  Hawaii received an additional $33 million this year in economic stimulus funds for Title I programs.

Impact Aid

Hawaii receives about $37 million annually in Impact Aid payments.  It is the federal government’s method of compensating states for the additional duty of educating the children of military dependents.  Because this is not a responsibility shared equally by all states, Impact Aid payments are intended to help reduce (but not alleviate) the economic burden placed on states with large number of military dependents, like Hawaii.

Joint Venture Education Forum (JVEF)

Over the past 10 years, $53 million has been invested by the Department of Defense in the JVEF which is a partnership between the military’s Pacific Command and the Hawaii Department of Education to support the needs of both military dependents in public schools, and provide additional resources to schools with a significant military presence.  JVEF welcomes our military community to be active partners in Hawaii’s public schools, and to work together toward the common goal of a quality education for all our children.  Initiatives include Hawaii 3R’s, Project ASSIST, technology, textbook and playground support, curriculum programs, and partnerships with 168 public schools.

Education of Children with Special Needs

The U.S. Department of Education provides approximately $42 million annually to assist with the education of children with special needs.  Following the state court ordered special education services, state expenditures had to increase.  The federal dollars help ease the state’s duty to provide significant additional resources for children with special needs.  An additional $43 million was provided in the economic stimulus.

Upgrades in Programming

Federal support for teacher quality amounts to about $14 million annually.  In addition, about $28 million is provided each year to the Hawaii Department of Education for upgrades in education technology, math and science, the tracking of student assessments, and for vocational and career educational programming.

Rural Development Project (RDP)

RDP began in 1997 with $200,000 to address the need for retraining the Lanai workforce following the closing of pineapple production.  Today, RDP receives an annual appropriation of about $3.2 million to serve all rural communities throughout the state with workforce training and community economic development.  Managed by the University of Hawaii community colleges, over 22,000 people have been positively impacted – firemen, police recruits, lifeguards, school custodians, UXO workers, Pearl Harbor Shipyard and Pacific Missile Range workers, nurses and nurse assistants, dialysis workers, teachers, information tech workers, construction trades and culinary/food service workers.

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Imiloa Astronomy Center

Located at the foot of Mauna Kea in Hilo, Hawaii, Imiloa Astronomy Center opened its doors to the public in 2006.  The Center is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and Mauna Kea astronomy – all combined to bring a vibrant educational experience to Hawaii’s youth.  Science and culture are not mutually exclusive.  Thanks to nearly $15 million in funding, there have been more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 10,000 students in school field trips. 

Science Education Pilot Program

In Hawaii there is a unique opportunity to use the oceans and beaches as a “living science classroom.”  $4.5 million in funding has supported National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) efforts to continue the implementation of an integrated system-wide science education pilot program for Hawaii’s schools that can be replicated nationwide.  The program simultaneously strengthens the Hawaii Department of Education’s science curriculum offerings and encourages students to pursue math and science fields.

The Bay Watershed Education and Training Program (B-WET)

B-WET strives to take advantage of Hawaii’s natural beauty as a classroom while helping Hawaii’s next generation become knowledgeable about the environment.  $7.6 million in funding has provided meaningful educational experiences for students and lifelong community learners, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers in the area of environmental education.  The B-WET program has funded teacher training, hands-on experiences in environmental sciences fields, and the development of innovative environmental educational tools.

Women in Technology Project

To help Hawaii reach its full potential as we and our nation strive to keep pace with the changing technology landscapes, the Women in Technology Project was developed to engage girls, women and underrepresented groups into the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) “education to workforce” pipeline.  Begun in 2000 as a Maui island pilot, the program has expanded to serve more than 6,000 statewide participants annually, including regional partnerships and has received $9 million in funding over the past 10 years.  

East-West Center

50 years ago, Congress established the East-West Center to foster stronger relations between the United States and its neighbors in the Asia – Pacific region.  Today, the East-West Center continues to further its public diplomacy mission through education and exchanges.  The world renowned Center’s strong federal support has allowed it to expand activities, enrich the educational and cultural opportunities for our state, and strengthen the bridge between the U.S. and this vibrant area of the world.  Over the last 10 years, over $186 million has been invested in the East-West Center which has allowed more than 45,000 Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders from more than 60 nations and territories to benefit from the Center's education, research, and conference programs which help to improve the relations between nations during these tumultuous times.

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard’s Apprenticeship Program

As Hawaii’s largest industrial employer with a proud history that earned the motto: “We Keep Them Fit to Fight,” the Shipyard provides vocational opportunities for many in Hawaii.  The $17.2 million investment in the Shipyard’s revitalized and flourishing Apprentice Program gives Hawaii’s next generation an opportunity to further their education and skills here at home.  The Apprentice Program annually trains and educates approximately 100 candidates.  Since 1999, 931 candidates have completed the four-year program, which includes earning a two-year Associate of Science degree.  Starting salaries are in the $40,000 range.

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Native Hawaiian Education

Secured $335.2 million dollars over 10 years for Native Hawaiian education initiatives focusing on early and pre-school education; Hawaiian language immersion curriculum; recruitment and retention of Native Hawaiian teachers; programs targeted to improve literacy, math and science skills, language arts, the social studies; higher education scholarships; gifted and talented programming; vocational education; and culturally targeted drug prevention and education. 

This includes the Ke Huli Ao Native Hawaiian Law School Center of Excellence at the University of Hawaii to facilitate discourse between the legal community, the Native Hawaiian community, and the community at large.  It promotes education, research, and scholarship on the unique aspects of Native Hawaiian law, including the intersection between local, federal, and international laws affecting Native Hawaiians.  It also offers new courses and supports Native Hawaiian and other law students as they pursue legal careers and leadership roles. 

Other recent grantees include Partners in Development, Kanu o Ka Aina Learning Ohana, Pacific American Foundation, University of Hawaii-Maui Community College, Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, Kaala Farm, University of Hawaii, Ke Kula o Samuel Kamakau, Mano Maoli, Alu Like Inc., Project Nana i ka pulapula, and Hoola Lahui Hawaii.

Polynesian Voyaging Center

The Polynesian Voyaging Center provides cultural education programs geared towards enhancing leadership skills and cultural knowledge through ocean voyaging.  With a legacy of ocean exploration as its foundation, $431,000 has been provided to support voyages of discovery; foster respect and learning about Native Hawaiian heritage and culture; and strengthen learning through the integration of voyaging, science and culture experiences into quality educational opportunities.

Education through Cultural and Historical Education (ECHO)

Provided in excess of $11.6 million in support of the ECHO program, managed by the Bishop Museum, to foster innovative culture-based learning.  These educational programs, shared through partnerships with four mainland states and Alaska, embraces cultural exchanges between schools, museums, and communities.

Native Hawaiian Library and Museum Services

Provided $6.3 million for the Native Hawaiian library and museum services which provides opportunities for improved library services at the Bishop Museum, Alu Like and related organizations.

Native Hawaiian Culture and Arts Program (NHCAP)

NHCAP was authorized in 1984 to provide a greater sense of cultural awareness and ethnic pride essential to the survival of the Native Hawaiian people.  $6.8 million has been appropriated to support this effort.  NHCAP’s efforts are focused on encouraging Hawaiians to preserve and practice their traditions in a rapidly changing multi-cultural world, and to share and celebrate Hawaiian art and culture with the broader state, national and international community.

Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education and Applied Technology Education Act

The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education and Applied Technology Education Act authorizing the creation of vocational education programs to improve the employment status of Native Hawaiians.  Alu Like, Inc. is the recipient of these funds to provide education, job training for Native Hawaiians.  Over the last 10 years, $33.8 million has been appropriated for this program.

Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions

The Departments of Agriculture, Education, and Housing and Urban Development each administer an Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions program.  Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions such as Chaminade University, University of Hawaii at Hilo, and all of the community colleges under the University of Hawaii system have received a total of $83.1 million over the past 10 years.  Programs are not limited to Native Hawaiian initiatives but rather support programs and students across the board.

Under the Department of Agriculture, the University of Hawaii established an Agribusiness Education, Training and Incubator project to build capacity and entrepreneurship among Hawaii’s rural agriculture communities, including Native Hawaiian and other traditionally underserved minority populations.

Under the Department of Education, these funds are used by the University of Hawaii system and Chaminade University to support the education of Native Hawaiians.  Initiatives include research lab renovations, establishing a nursing degree program, developing various retention programs that focus on STEM subject areas to reduce numbers of dropouts, lab renovations to develop a state of the art music production center, and a Pacific Islander education retention program.

Under the Department of Housing and Urban Development, funds are used by eligible institutions of higher education to expand their capacity to serve low income students and strengthen academic curricula, and provide for community development.  For example, funds have been used for building multi-media and computer labs, certified kitchens, and a cultural learning center.

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