Aloha, HIDOE Community – 

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Ho‘oha‘aheo Newsletter.

Update on federal monitoring
We are continuing to monitor evolving developments at the federal level that may affect K-12 education in Hawai‘i. Last month, Congress passed a continuing resolution that both averted a federal government shutdown and preserved funding for major education grants — including Title I, Special Education (IDEA), and Impact Aid — at prior-year levels for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2025. This provides short-term funding stability, with Hawai‘i’s allocations for FY 2025–26 expected to remain consistent with the previous year.

We continue to take proactive steps to prepare for future shifts:

• Issuing fiscal prudence guidance to department leaders
• Issuing updated procedures for school responses to law enforcement activity, including immigration enforcement
• Hosting briefings with tri-level leaders
• Maintaining weekly coordination with state and national partners
• Consulting with the Governor’s Office, Attorney General, and our congressional delegation

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education issued a new requirement to certify compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. We are currently reviewing the requirement in consultation with the Attorney General’s office and remain fully committed to upholding federal civil rights protections and equitable access to education.

National Assistant Principals Week
As we celebrate National Assistant Principals Week, I want to take a moment to recognize all of our vice principals. Your efforts are vital to the success of our schools–balancing the needs of students, guiding teachers, ensuring the school runs smoothly and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

I’d also like to recognize vice principals Marlyn Hutton of ​Niu Valley Middle School, Penny Vess of Waimea High School and Hidi Boteilho at Keonepoko Elementary for their national awards as vice principals this year. Congratulations and mahalo to all of our vice principals!

Hawaiʻi State Science & Engineering Fair 
Congratulations to all of the students that participated in the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Science & Engineering Fair! It was inspiring to meet so many of our young scientists and learn about their award-winning projects ranging from a variety of topics such as testing solar panel efficiency using solar trackers to investigating a safer treatment for lung cancer using a traditional Hawaiian herb. I’m proud to share that over 70 students from Hawaii’s public schools placed in the Top 3 across various categories. The top winners will go on to represent Hawaiʻi at the International Science & Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio on May 10-16. 

Gwen Nakamura

Occupation: Assistant band director at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
What school you grad? Kaimukī High School ‘80
College: University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Location: Honolulu, HI

If you’ve ever been to a University of Hawai‘i sporting event, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen and heard Gwen Nakamura. Wearing her colorful balloon hats at every game while conducting the pep band, she’s hard to miss as she leads the student musicians in sound and rhythm. With a passion for music, teaching and UH sports, there is no more perfect dream job for her than being the assistant band director, a role she’s held since 1990. She also serves as the director of the Concert Band at the university and oversees the pep bands, which perform at volleyball, football and basketball games.

Nakamura received her Bachelor of Education in Music and Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Hawai‘i. Prior to that, she attended Hōkūlani Elementary and Jarrett Intermediate. After she graduated from Kaimukī High School, she taught band at Castle High School for two years and Kahuku High & Intermediate School for one year before returning to UH. In her free time, she teaches saxophone to young students and enjoys spending time with her three dogs. She was featured in an episode of HOLOHOLO by Toyota Hawai‘i Stories.

Q: What are you up to these days?
A: Teaching band at the University of Hawai‘i, teaching saxophone, enjoying life with my three dogs.

Q: Why did you choose this career path and what do you enjoy most about it?
A: I love music, I love teaching and I love working with students. Music has helped me in so many ways and I really wanted to pass that on to other students. What I enjoy most is working with the students.

Q: What makes you #PublicSchoolProud?
A: I am a public school product and proud of it. I have had so many teachers that have inspired me through public school. There are so many wonderful teachers who give back. I love that public school is for everyone and that we can help every student and give them all an education, which is important. I am proud to be educated through public school. It has really helped shape me into who I am and I have learned and met so many excellent teachers. I admire all the educators past and present who continue to help and educate all our keiki and students.

Q: Name of a teacher or mentor you’d like to thank?
A: So many to name! But mostly band teachers: Darryl Loo, Kazu Sunabe, Norma Parado, Richard Lum, Grant Okamura, Tom Bingham.

Q: Favorite subject in school?
A: Band and math

Q: What type of extracurricular activities were you involved in?
A: Band and National Honor Society

Q: What advice do you have for students?
A: To always strive for the best. No matter what, keep trying. Everyone will find their love and their path at some point, but keep going. Always try to do your best and find enjoyment in everything you do. As long as you are trying to do your best, that is what is important. Get involved and take advantage of various programs.