Hawai'i State Public Charter School Commission

09/29/2025

This month, Hawaiʻi celebrated outstanding educators from across the islands at the Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year ceremony, where Elise Hannigan, an English teacher at Keaʻau High on Hawaiʻi Island, was named Hawaiʻi Teacher of the Year. From 15 HIDOE complex areas and one public charter school, exceptional teachers were recognized for their impact on students and communities.

We are proud to share that Kumu Kalaunuola Domingo, kindergarten teacher at Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Charter School, was named the 2026 Hawaiʻi Public Charter School Teacher of the Year, the first Hawaiian Language Immersion kumu to receive this honor.

Watch this story https://youtu.be/JTqnckxyEPE
(in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi with English translations) as Kumu Kalaunuola brings kilo, observation and reflection, into her classroom, helping her young students connect to the world around them and grow into future leaders and caretakers of Hawaiʻi.

Mahalo to all our teachers who care for and nurture our keiki every day, shaping Hawaiʻi’s next generation.

Aloha! Today we’re celebrating the 2026 Hawaiʻi’s State Public Charter School Teacher of the Year, Kumu Kalaunuola Domingo. We recently spent part of the mor...

09/16/2025

Study on Olelo Niihau Released by UH Mānoa Linguistics Department

On August 29, 2025, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Linguistics Department released a landmark study on Olelo Niihau, funded by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature through Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2023.

The study documents linguistic features that distinguish Olelo Niihau from other varieties of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, traces the historical development and contemporary use of the language within its community, and presents results from a sociolinguistic survey of 17 native speakers. The study revealed:
-Olelo Niihau is distinct in several respects from other varieties of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i,
-there are apparent patterns of language shift toward English among younger generations, and
-there is strong community support for the development of language maintenance initiatives and
-there is a desire for more government services in Olelo Niihau.

The research underscores the resilience of the Niihau community in perpetuating its language. With about 500 speakers today, Olelo Niihau continues to thrive in homes and communities on Niihau and Kauai, strengthened by the dedication of Ke Kula Niʻihau O Kekaha (KKNOK) charter school that has published more than 400 books in Olelo Niihau and built a priceless archive of recorded interviews with manaleo (native speakers). “The remarkable achievement of Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha in publishing over 400 books in Olelo Niihau highlights the resilience and dedication of our community to preserve this unique dialect,” said Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

Last month, members of the State Legislature visited Kauaʻi, where KKNOK shared their work and the impact of preserving Olelo Niihau through education and community leadership. Students spoke directly to lawmakers about their experiences, bringing to life the study’s findings and highlighting the next generation’s commitment to carrying the language forward.
“The Hawaiian language, Olelo Hawaii, is vital for preserving the Hawaiian culture, its identity, preserving history and strengthening the connection to the land," said Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi (D-8, Kauai, Niihau), "It acts as a bridge to the past, connecting people to their ancestors, traditional knowledge, and the land. Olelo Niihau remains a living language and a connection to our history. We must honor and protect this dialect, not only for the sake of tradition, but for our future.”

Dr. Ed Noh, Executive Director of the Commission, noted, “This is an important and exciting research that not only uplifts and calls attention to Olelo Niihau, but the Hawaiian language as a whole. The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission is proud to have such a rich and diverse portfolio of schools that elevate language and culture, such as Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha.”

https://www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov/study-on-olelo-niihau-released-by-uh-m%C4%81noa-linguistics-department

Note: Olelo Niihau, for the most part, does not use diacriticals. We have followed that convention in this story when referring to Olelo Niihau.

08/26/2025

A set of posters created with *you* in mind. Download this free anchor chart (and more!) for your classroom: https://edut.to/40aD0n0

08/26/2025

Math and science educators: mark your calendars! The Hawai‘i Council of Teachers of Mathematics (HCTM) and the Hawai‘i Science Teaching Association (HaSTA) are joining forces to host the very first joint math and science conference. 🔬 This hands-on STEM conference will bring educators together to connect with colleagues and spark new inspiration, plus you'll leave with practical strategies you can use right away in your classroom. The event costs $25 to attend, which includes a complimentary HCTM membership.

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waiʻalae Ave.
Learn more, register: https://www.hctm.org/hctm-events

08/21/2025

Congratulations to Myron B. Thompson Academy for being ranked the #1 public school in Hawaiʻi by U.S. News & World Report.

The K–12 charter school, located in the heart of urban Honolulu, earned the top spot for elementary, middle, and high school in the state.

MBTA offers a blended and interactive virtual learning environment for students across Oʻahu, Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. The school continues to stand out for its commitment to innovation, equity, and student-centered learning. This recognition highlights MBTA’s success in preparing students for college and careers through flexible, rigorous academics and strong support systems.

This honor reflects the dedication of MBTA’s leadership team, teachers, students, and families who have embraced 21st-century learning while staying grounded in Hawaiʻi’s unique culture and values. To check out the rankings, visit: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/hawaii/rankings

06/24/2025

Check out this amazing Hula Kiʻi exhibit at Capitol Modern!

Created by 10th grade students from Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School, this powerful and beautiful exhibit showcases their deep engagement with Hula Kiʻi—a rare and expressive form of hula that can include carved images (kiʻi) as part of the performance. This traditional art form reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic expression of the Native Hawaiian people.

As part of their Papa Hana Noʻeau class, students spent the semester not only learning how to carve their own kiʻi, but also immersing themselves in the moʻolelo, protocols, and kuleana connected to this traditional practice. Through a meaningful partnership with the Hula Preservation Society, haumāna worked closely with Kumu Hula Auliʻi Mitchell, a leading expert and practitioner of Hula Kiʻi.

The result? 20 original kiʻi—each one unique and deeply personal.
The exhibit is FREE and open to the public at Capitol Modern in downtown Honolulu and will run through the end of July 2025.

Congratulations to the Hālau Kū Māna students, Kumu Mitchell and Capitol Modern for creating an outstanding Hula Kiʻi exhibit!

06/04/2025

Some Hawaiʻi charter school teachers are rethinking how math is taught thanks to “Math is Figure-Outable” training with national expert Pamela Harris! From Kua o ka Lā to HTA to a statewide workshop, educators gained tools to help students build confidence, think critically, and make sense of numbers — not just memorize rules. Read more about this impactful PD check out our June newsletter: https://www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov/monthly-e-newsletters

05/21/2025

Congratulations to Mr. Montz and his students at Kona Pacific Public Charter School for earning the Digital Detectives Super Sleuth Award for outstanding student participation and classroom reporting!

Students across the state took part in this initiative to help map internet speeds in Hawaiʻi. The data collected will help guide broadband improvements where itʻs needed most.

Mahalo to all the student Digital Detectives helping to build a more connected Hawaiʻi!

05/20/2025

05/13/2025

Earlier this spring, the State Public Charter School Commission spotlighted ( in our monthly newsletter)a powerful new video initiative led by Commission Chair Dr. Makalapua Alencastre: ʻAuhea ʻOukou e Nā Kumu—A Call to All Kumu.

Dr. Alencastre stepped into the role of video producer to help create the powerful 25-minute Hawaiian Kumu recruitment video.
As a Hawaiian educator with over 40 years of experience, Dr. Alencastre recently retired as an Associate Professor at Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Throughout her career—spanning elementary, secondary, and university levels—she witnessed firsthand the growing demand for more kumu (teachers) in Hawaiian language education.

Determined to inspire the next generation of educators, Dr. Alencastre spearheaded the production of ʻAuhea ʻOukou e Nā Kumu—A Call to All Kumu. The video serves as a passionate invitation: The future is calling, and it needs you. Dr. Alencastre noted that the last kumu recruitment video was made in 1990—35 years ago. To bring this new film to life, she interviewed 20 kumu from across the islands, highlighting the experiences of educators at public charter and DOE schools, including Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo, Ke Kula ʻo Samuel M. Kamakau, Kawaikini, Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu, as well as schools in Pāhoa, Lahaina, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Waiau, along with kumu from ʻAha Pūnana Leo preschools.

The video sheds light on a critical issue: the urgent need for more Hawaiian language teachers. Currently, 40 Hawaiian immersion schools exist, yet many have waitlists due to a shortage of kumu. Communities are eager to open new immersion schools and expand existing programs, but the lack of qualified teachers remains a significant barrier. ʻAuhea ʻOukou e Nā Kumu is a rallying cry, encouraging passionate individuals to pursue Hawaiian immersion education and help meet the growing demand.

Through heartfelt testimonies, kumu share the deep fulfillment they find in their work—cultivating cultural identity, revitalizing the Hawaiian language, and strengthening communities. The video also provides historical context, reminding viewers that Hawaiian language was banned in public schools in 1896, just three years after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The near loss of the language spurred a powerful movement, leading to the establishment of ʻAha Pūnana Leo preschools and the Kaiapuni Hawaiian Immersion program in public schools.

Interested in becoming a kumu or know someone who might be interested, check out the video: https://kumu.kanaeokana.net/

05/09/2025

Happy Aloha Friday!

As we head into the weekend, we’re excited to share a story that celebrates culture, community, and connection to ʻāina.

Pre-K students at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School last month celebrated Kalo Day! Teachers, students, and parents came together for a hands-on, hearts-full celebration of growing, harvesting, and pounding kalo.

From the loʻi to the table, keiki learned all about kalo this year—growing it right in their school māla ʻai (garden).

Check out the full story here: https://youtu.be/_c5vFOCX5DQ?si=v6fbPKhaOZ1LurH9

Laupahoehoeʻs Youngest Farmers Celebrate Kalo DayOn April 8, 2025, the youngest learners at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School gathered with their f...

05/09/2025

Hawaiʻi continues to shine as a national leader in early childhood education, according to the newly released 2024 State of Preschool Yearbook by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). The state met all 10 of NIEER’s quality benchmarks—an achievement matched by only a select few states nationwide.

With support from the Executive Office on Early Learning, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, and the Public Charter School Commission, Hawaiʻi is expanding access to free, high-quality preschool through public-private partnerships and new classroom openings across the islands.

“Every child in Hawaiʻi deserves the chance to thrive, and expanding access to high-quality preschool is one of our best investments,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who oversees the state’s Ready Keiki plan. “We’re proud to set a standard of excellence and remain committed to reaching more families statewide through a mixed delivery approach -- opening classrooms, expanding childcare subsidies, and investing in early education workforce development and innovative preschool models.”

Highlights:
-All quality benchmarks met
-State-funded preschool enrollment increased to 1,026 children, up by 322 students from the previous year.
-New and expanding classrooms, including at charter schools like Parkway Village and Waikīkī Community Preschool

“The earliest years of children are the most formative,” said Ed Noh, Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission. “Expanding and offering free public preschool ensures that all our keiki have access to early learning opportunities vital for their learning, development, and future pathways to success.”

Hawaiʻi’s leaders remain focused on expanding Pre-K access across the islands by investing in new classrooms, growing the early education workforce, and strengthening public-private partnerships. The goal: to give every child in Hawaiʻi a strong start and a pathway to lifelong success.

Let’s keep building strong foundations for our keiki!
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov/news-updates