Dec. 11

Editorial Mission: As the Department's primary publication, we aim to live up to the meaning of ha‘aheo – to cherish with pride – by bolstering and sustaining pride in public education and touting the successes happening across our system.

Aloha, HIDOE Community –  Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter. Education Secretary Cardona’s Lahaina visit I had the pleasure of welcoming U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to Lahaina last Friday. His trip to Maui was to see first-hand how our Lahaina schools and the Hawai‘i State Department of Education are recovering and rebuilding following the Maui wildfires that displaced over 3,000 students in West Maui. We started the morning at the temporary campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary at Pulelehua, where Principal Haskins shared how his staff has prioritized addressing the emotional well-being of students in the wake of the fires.

Secretary Cardona and I visited the temporary campus for King Kamehameha III Elementary School at Pulelehua to hear about the recovery efforts after the Lahaina wildfires. Credit: Edgar Ambrosio / HIDOE Communications Branch

We then visited Lahainaluna High School, where Secretary Cardona met with the school’s student government officers to hear about their experiences and goals. When asked to describe their community in one word, the students responded with: love, family, timeless and aloha.

Cardona said he would take back what he learned to the U.S. Department of Education, where he said more than 4,000 employees – including those focused on crisis response – will carry on the work of the department after he leaves office. Mahalo, Secretary Cardona, for your support for Hawai‘i’s public schools!

Kealakehe High student projects
I’m excited to share two exciting projects coming out of Kealakehe High School! In partnership with the San Diego Zoo Keauhou Bird Conservation Center, a group of students have completed the first-ever genome sequencing of the palila, an endangered finch-billed Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to Hawai‘i. This project empowers students to contribute directly to conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving Hawai‘i’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Another set of students from Kealakehe High will be representing Hawai‘i in NASA’s prestigious Human Exploration Rover Challenge, making them the only team from the state among 75 global teams. This international competition, set for April 2025 in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala., challenges students to design and build human-powered rovers capable of navigating simulated extraterrestrial terrains. Kealakehe students recently showcased their latest rover design to a NASA panel as part of the pre-competition design review. This milestone marks an important step toward building a prototype for testing ahead of the spring competition. Congratulations to Kealakehe High School!

Students get exclusive look at courtroom proceedings
The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court convened at Mililani High School on Tuesday to give nearly 400 students from ʻAiea, Leilehua, McKinley, Mililani, Radford and Waipahu high schools a chance to observe oral arguments for an actual case. The event is part of the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s Courts in the Community outreach program to give students a first-hand opportunity to learn about the judiciary’s role in government. Students also had the opportunity to interview the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justices and attorneys. Mahalo to the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary for providing our students with this hands-on learning experience in civics education.

Students got a chance to observe oral arguments of an actual case at Mililani High School on Dec. 10 as part of the Hawai'i State Judiciary’s Courts in the Community program. Credit: Kimberly Yuen / HIDOE Communications Branch

Ho‘oha‘aheo Photo of the Week

Howard Hughes hosted students from Waipahu Intermediate School’s building and construction class on Dec. 4 for a special field trip. Students toured the Ward Villages developments and the soon-to-open Victoria Ward Park Makai, went for a ride on the tower hoist to the top of the ‘Ulana condo project under construction and heard from industry professionals about various career opportunities.

Credit: Eliot Honda / HIDOE Communications Branch

Submit your public school-related image from this school year for a chance to be featured as next week’s Ho‘oha‘aheo Photo of the Week!

Student Voice: ‘Tis The Season… for College Applications

Pennants from various colleges are displayed in the library at ‘Ewa Elementary School.

By Alayna Kadarusman

Twinkling lights adorn palm trees, festive music fills the air, and families gather for beachside picnics— it’s the holiday season in Hawaiʻi! For seniors, however, it’s a season of duality: a celebration mingled with the weight of college applications. As the class of 2025 graduation is right around the corner, December ushers in the pinnacle of college application season— a pivotal time for growth, reflection, and preparation, where every essay composed, transcript requested, and extracurricular detail adds to the story of our unique journeys. Finding a balance between our future and present is the cornerstone of this holiday. Submitting a powerful application is critical, but giving our physical and mental health the same amount of care and attention is equally important. 

The college application process feels like preparing for a big holiday feast—stress-inducing and requiring tremendous effort, but ultimately, organization is key. Personally, every morning, I take 10 minutes to sit down and write out my daily plans. During this time, I create short goals to accomplish during the day, in order of prioritization, allowing me to track my progress. Organization reduces stress and allows smoother work days that break the chaos, turning it into manageable steps. This season is not just about where we are headed but commemorating how far we have come.

Completing your college applications takes time, so take it. In my experience, the secret ingredient is answering authentically while double-checking to create satisfactory results. Having others read your essays will widen your perspective; for me, it is not until countless people have read my essay that I call it a wrap. The time has come to bring together all you have learned, your built relationships, and the goals you have pursued passionately, all to craft your version of a perfect future. Balancing this seemingly overwhelming responsibility with academics, sports, and various extracurriculars makes it all the more important to rely on those around you. Reaching out to and relying on your support system of counselors, teachers, family, and friends transforms the process into a shared journey rather than a daunting, independent task.

Alayna Kadarusman is a senior at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School and serves as the 2024-25 Hawaiʻi State Student Council (HSSC) vice chairperson. She is dual-enrolled at Hawaiʻi Community College, where she will earn her Hawaiian Studies certificate in 2025. She also serves as the senior class president, National Honor Society president, and the Future Farmers of America vice president. She aspires to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders by fostering inclusive communities, amplifying student voices, and driving initiatives that create lasting, positive change.

#HIPublicSchoolsProud

Social media highlights of the most engaging posts of the week. 
Use the #HIPublicSchoolsProud hashtag for a chance to be featured!

Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School

» Congratulations to Bella Diaz for winning the third annual Pōmaika’i Spelling Bee! Her winning word was dysfunctional. We are so proud of all of our spellers today! Joining her at the district Spelling Bee will be Amory Maurer on the 6th of February at Baldwin High School. Mahalo to our Spelling Bee lead Mr. Isobe and our tip top spellers!!!

Mākaha Elementary School

»Our Mākaha Surfers 'Ukulele Crew was invited by Jonah Davis to perform at the Hawaiian Ukulele Experience event hosted by Bishop Museum. Our 'ukulele crew consists of 5th and 6th graders as well as faculty members of Mākaha Elementary School. They performed 3 songs and had incredible support from their families and the Mākaha community.

Hanalei Elementary School

» We had the absolute honor of a visit by Hanalei School alumni and Olympic Medalist @tatiwest! The kids got to sit in the same seats Tatiana did when she was a student at Hanalei and imagined themselves as future medal winning surfers, skaters, athletes and anything else they have their heart set on! Thank you for being an inspiration for our Hanalei keiki Tatiana!! #surfer #onlyathanaleischool

Important Dates & Upcoming Events

• Dec. 12: Board of Education: Finance and Infrastructure, Human Resources, and General Business Meeting
  
  
• Dec. 20: Quarter 2 Ends
  
  
• Dec. 23 - Jan. 6: Winter Break

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Although these items are often marketed as toys for children, which of the following is strictly prohibited on school campuses according to Chapter 19 rules?

1. Nerf Blasters
2. Slingshots & Toy Crossbows
3. Gel Guns
4. All of the above

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

HIDOE Headlines

A roundup of announcements, resources and shoutouts.

»Over 200 students from Lahainaluna High School will be a part of a new emergency readiness curriculum that will go over first aid, disaster preparedness, basic fire safety and more. The program is organized by Hawai‘i workforce development nonprofit ClimbHI with the support of the Maui Strong Fund at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.

» Mililani High School alum Dillon Gabriel and current University of Oregon quarterback was named one of four finalists for the 2024 Heisman Trophy. The winner will be announced on Saturday in New York.

» In the latest episode of HIKI NŌ on PBS Hawai‘i, students share stories about a talented young athlete, two inspiring parents, passions for Lego and what it’s like to be a professional social media influencer. This episode was hosted by Kalani High School students Maya Villanueva and Caleb Crosswell.

Alumni Spotlight

Globally competitive, locally committed

Jana Ireijo Occupation: Artist What school you grad? H.P. Baldwin High School ‘86 College: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Location: Honolulu, HI Jana Ireijo is a Hawaiʻi-based artist and founder of Vanishing Murals. Her work combines natural materials and storytelling to inspire connection, conservation and awareness. Ireijo earned her bachelor’s in graphic design from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in 1991 and her master’s degree in painting from the Pratt Institute in New York in 1999. She’s moved around to several states throughout her career, most recently spending 12 years in Westport, Conn., where she started creating murals in her garage during the pandemic. With her two sons now in college, she’s embracing a new chapter as an empty nester and moved back to Hawai‘i last year. Now living and working in Kaimukī, she continues to create art that bridges her love for Hawaiʻi’s culture, community, and environment. She is currently working on a new mural on a mobile STEM lab that will travel to various schools through Pop-Up Labs for Steam. This month the mobile lab is at Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School. Q: What are you up to these days? A: Nowadays, I’m focused on creating art that brings attention to environmental and social justice issues, particularly through my vanishing murals. These murals, made with non-permanent pigments like wildfire charcoal, soil, and water from local sources, symbolize the impermanence of our natural world and the urgent need for conservation. The murals either "vanish" by being exposed to the elements, or inspired by Buddhist monks, I often wash them myself. Recently, I completed a "Vanishing ʻAkikiki" mural at the Downtown Art Center for The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i and Palmyra — a project dedicated to Hawaiʻi’s native forest birds and the collective efforts to protect them from extinction. Through Maui Public Art, I recently had the honor to complete an ocean lei-themed mural for Lahaina that reflects an intergenerational hui moʻolelo inspired by a 1962 Lahainaluna High School graduate, and the healing power of the ocean. Q: Why did you choose this career path and what do you enjoy most about it? A: I chose this career path because art has always been my way of expressing stories, emotions and connections that words alone cannot capture. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I developed a deep appreciation for the land, ocean and community, which naturally evolved into a desire to use my art to address environmental and social issues. Founding Vanishing Murals allowed me to merge my passion for art with my commitment to conservation and storytelling, creating work that inspires awareness and action. What I enjoy most about my career is its collaborative and transformative nature. Whether it’s working with communities to create murals or engaging with viewers who see themselves and their stories reflected in the work, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the connections and impact my art can spark. I also love the creative process itself—the tactile experience of working with natural materials and the freedom to explore themes that matter deeply to me. Q: What makes you #PublicSchoolProud? A: What makes me #PublicSchoolProud is the sense of community and resilience that shaped my journey. Attending Mānoa Elementary, ʻĪao Intermediate, and Baldwin High School gave me the priceless experience of being part of schools that reflect the diversity of their communities. I’m especially proud to be part of a public school system that fosters creativity, encourages individuality, and produces graduates who make meaningful impacts in their communities and beyond. I have so many wonderful friends and cherished memories from my school days, and those experiences have truly shaped who I am today. Q: Name of a teacher or mentor you’d like to thank? A: I wish I could go back in time to thank Mr. Pierce, my AP U.S. History teacher at Baldwin. He was so kind, so passionate, and made history come alive. I am also grateful to Mr. Omuro, my chemistry teacher. It was one of my worst subjects, but as a Buddhist he inspired so many of us to practice daily mindfulness, and I include the concept of impermanence in my art till this day. Q: Favorite subject in school? A: I love to read, so my favorite subject was English. However, when I was at Mānoa Elementary, they still taught penmanship, and I really loved that class! Q: What advice do you have for students? A: My advice for students is to stay curious and open to learning—not just in school but throughout your life. Don’t be afraid to explore new interests or change directions if your passions evolve. Some of the most meaningful paths aren’t linear, and that’s OK. Also, remember the importance of community. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and give back whenever you can. The relationships you build and the stories you share can create opportunities you never imagined. Finally, take care of yourself and the world around you. Whether it’s through art, science, or any field you choose, use your unique talents to make a positive difference.

Baldwin alum Jana Ireijo uses wildfire charcoal and water from local streams to create vanishing murals to convey the impermanence of native species. The “vanishing pueo” mural was located at Kahilu Theatre on Hawai’i Island before it was washed away in March. Courtesy: Jana Ireijo

Are you or do you know someone who exemplifies the Hawai'i State Department of Education's mission to prepare all graduates to be globally competitive and locally committed? We are looking for individuals who graduated from a Hawai'i public school and are passionate about their communities. Please fill out this form for a chance to be featured as a future alumni spotlight.

Work With Us!

Grades K-12 Complex Area Teacher, Nānākuli-Waiʻanae Complex Area (Oʻahu)
Evaluation Specialist II, Leadership Institute Branch (Oʻahu)
Grades 9-12 English and Science Teacher, Molokai High (Molokai)
Grades K-5 Special Education Teacher, Waihe'e Elementary (Maui)
Behavioral Health Specialist III, IV, Hawai'i District Office (Hawai‘i Island)

For more career opportunities in the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, please visit hawaiischooljobs.com.

Public School Pop Quiz! Answer: 4. All of the above. Chapter 19 student misconduct rules define a "firearm" as "any instrument which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile." Help keep our students safe by securing such items at home.

HAWAI‘I STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Keith Hayashi

Superintendent

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS

Ho‘oha‘aheo

PUBLIC SCHOOL PROUD

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