Windward Students Artwork on Display at the Hawai‘i State Capitol
Senator Tokuda's Art Review (STAR) Program will once again be displaying the artwork of students from Windward O‘ahu at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. The artwork from students studying at Windward Community College, Ben Parker Elementary, Kane‘ohe Elementary, and Kapunahala Elementary can be viewed in the chamber level of the State Capitol throughout the months of January and February and will feature various mediums of art.
"With so many people coming to the Capitol for the start of the legislative session, it is only fitting that they be greeted by the artistic expressions and visions of Hawai‘i's future leaders," stated Tokuda. "Our Windward public schools have a longstanding commitment to the integration of arts in education and the work on display is a testament to the talents of both teachers and students."
The public is welcome to view the artwork at the Hawai‘i State Capitol, Chamber Level, during normal building hours Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (excluding holidays) and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 587-7215.
HPD CHIEF CANCELS MEETING WITH HAWAII WOMEN'S LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS AND WOMEN HONOLULU CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
The Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus today announced that they received a call from the Honolulu Police Department's (HPD) Chief of Police's office canceling Thursday's meeting with the Women's State Legislative Caucus and three women members of the Honolulu City Council.
A representative of the Women's Caucus spoke with the office of Chief of Police Louis M. Kealoha to ask that the commitment to meet with the women on Thursday be honored.
"The purpose of Thursday's meeting was for the Women's Legislative Caucus and the three women city councilmembers to have the opportunity to speak with Chief Kealoha directly," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim, a member of the Women's Caucus. "We hoped to work cooperatively with the police to strengthen efforts to end domestic violence and keep victims safe. We wanted to discuss concerns and questions about HPD's internal policies and procedures regarding domestic violence cases, especially when one of their own officers is a suspect that has been brought to us by victims' service providers."
"The Women's Legislative Caucus and women Honolulu City Councilmembers asked for the opportunity to discuss these issues with Chief Kealoha prior to the public informational briefing so that he could be prepared to respond fully in public, and to, hopefully, open the door to improved partnerships and outcomes in domestic violence cases," said Senate President Kim.
A representative of the Women's Caucus was told the meeting was cancelled because the internal investigation was not yet completed. "We made it clear that the Women's Caucus understands that personnel investigations are confidential and that we have no intention of interfering in that matter," stated Senator Laura Thielen, a member of the Women's Caucus. "We told Chief Kealoha's office that our concern and our meeting is to be focused on the broader HPD policies and response to domestic violence incidents."
The cancellation was completely unexpected. "Many of us rearranged our schedules to suit the Police Chief's requested meeting date and time. We are disappointed at his unexpected cancellation," stated Senate President Kim. "We sincerely hope this is not a sign of the lack of importance the department places on the issue of domestic violence. But it's perplexing to us why he would cancel such an important meeting with so many women leaders."
Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus calls for accountability of HPD in extreme domestic violence case involving its officers
Following the public release of a surveillance video showing a Honolulu Police Department
(HPD) sergeant allegedly brutally beating his girlfriend in a Waipahu restaurant, the Hawaii Women's State Legislative Caucus and the three women members of the Honolulu City Council are calling on HPD to explain its policies and procedures for handling criminal actions involving its own officers and how the failure to act that occurred earlier this week is not repeated.
According to reports, HPD officers responding to the scene did not arrest the sergeant, nor did they file any reports of the incident that night. It was only on the following day, after a citizen provided HPD and the press with the surveillance video, that HPD took action to remove the sergeant of his police powers and begin an internal investigation into the incident, according to a Hawaii News Now report.
The Joint Women's Legislative Caucus and City Council members released the following statement:
"We are calling for a meeting with the Chief of Police, followed by an informational briefing with the Honolulu Police Department and Police Commission. The public has a right to know the department's policies and procedures for response to domestic violence or any other crimes when the offender is a police officer, particularly one who serves in a supervisory role.
"HPD officials must explain to the public why the alleged assailant was not charged and arrested given evidence of probable cause, including multiple witnesses who had to come to the woman's aide and a video surveillance depicting the appalling domestic violence assault.
"It is absolutely unacceptable that HPD officers chose not to enforce our domestic violence laws. The fact that the woman denied the incident is to be expected under the circumstances. Indeed, the responding officers' failure to take action clearly communicated that her safety will not be protected by them. If similar situations have occurred in the past, any victim of violence would deny it out of fear of retaliation.
"This incident sends a dark message to victims of domestic violence and all residents of Oahu, that members of HPD, who are supposed to serve and protect, may turn a blind eye to domestic violence or other criminal acts committed by of one of their officers.
"The integrity of HPD has been mired and trust has been lost. We demand public accountability."
While the 2014 legislative session presented us with significant fiscal challenges, we made a number of targeted investments that will benefit our communities and passed measure that will result in meaningful changes for Hawaii's people in the months to come...
Thursday, June 26, 2014
7:00pm-8:30pm
Windward Community College | Hale ‘Ākoakoa 105
45-720 Kea‘ahala Road
Kāne‘ohe, Hawai‘i 96744
Senator Jill Tokuda and Representative Ken Ito will be hosting a community town hall meeting to discuss the outcomes of the 2014 Legislative Session and provide you with an opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns about our community. Senator David Ige, Chair of the Ways & Means Committee, will be attending to discuss the State Budget. Please join us for light refreshments and good conversation between friends and neighbors.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
STATE SENATOR JILL TOKUDA RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HER WORK WITH CHARTER SCHOOLS
During National Charter School Week, Sen. Jill Tokuda today received a 2014 "Champions for Charters" award at the U.S. Capitol from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS). The award honors seven federal, state and local elected officials who have worked to advance the growth and success of public charter schools.
In 2011, Sen. Tokuda chaired a task force on charter school governance and accountability that made recommendations for significantly improving Hawaii's charter school law and led the passage of a bill that contained these recommendations. These changes increased Hawaii's charter school law ranking by NAPCS from 35th in the nation in 2012 to 14th in 2013. This year, Sen. Tokuda sponsored legislation to provide facilities support to public charter schools and continued to work to make improvements to the charter school law for better clarity and consistency.
"This national recognition is as well-deserved as it is impressive," said Tom Hutton, Executive Director of the State Public Charter School Commission. "Sen. Tokuda's strong support for Hawaii's public charter schools would be noteworthy on its own, but her sustained engagement in the laborious and often thankless work of strengthening charter school accountability truly has showcased her leadership."
"Sen. Tokuda is truly committed to Hawaii's public education system, both charter schools and DOE schools," added Lynn Finnegan, Executive Director of the Hawaii Public Charter Schools Network. "As Senate Education Chair, Sen. Tokuda has invested a lot of time and effort to learn about the balance between autonomy and accountability that the charters school sector needs to survive and thrive. The leadership she has shown to help craft and pass charter school legislation is unprecedented in Hawaii for charter school issues. We are very grateful for her hard work."
About the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools is the leading national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the public charter school movement. Its mission is to lead public education to unprecedented levels of academic achievement by fostering a strong charter sector. For more information, please visit www.publiccharters.org.
About National Charter School Week
National Charter School Week is an annual event that honors the great work accomplished by public charter schools across the country and the increasing momentum that they have shared over the past year. It gives the charter school community the opportunity to highlight and share successes, lessons learned, and achievements on behalf of the nearly 6,500 schools and more than 2.5 million students served.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
STUDENTS TESTIFY VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE
SB2441 establishes R.E.A.C.H. programs, SB2446 names new Maui school after late U.S. Rep. Mink
Students from across the state participated in the legislative process by testifying via videoconferencing during a Senate hearing on two education bills.
Senate Bill 2441 establishes the R.E.A.C.H. program within the Office of Youth Services to provide a standardized framework and funding for after-school programs in public middle and intermediate schools. The bill establishes a revolving fund to receive fees and other moneys to supplement the costs of administering and operating the program; appropriates funds for establishing the R.E.A.C.H. program to provide funding for after-school programs in middle and intermediate public schools; and establishes one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position to support the program and appropriates funds for that position. Students from Hana High and Elementary School, Waiakea Intermediate School, Mililani Middle School and Molokai Intermediate School testified before the committee on this measure via video conferencing.
SB2446 requires the Department of Education to name the new public high school in Kihei, Maui the "Patsy Takemoto Mink High School," in honor of the late United States Representative Patsy Takemoto Mink. Students from Kihei Public Charter School, Maui Waena Intermediate School and Maui High School testified on this measure via video conferencing
"Increasing access and transparency has always been a top priority for the Senate, and utilizing technology is an effective way of achieving this goal," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee. "The measures before us impact our students and our schools, and the policies we draft are strengthened by their input and ideas. I look forward to seeing more individuals use this tool to provide testimony."
Beginning this legislative session, all Hawaii residents will now have the chance to testify at hearings before the Senate Committees on Education (EDU) and Technology and the Arts (TEC) without physically being there. In January 2013, the Senate began a pilot project to allow neighbor island residents the opportunity to participate in the legislative process without traveling to Oahu. Understanding that access is also a barrier for Oahu residents, the committees now pilot the videoconferencing technology statewide.
In its inaugural year, the Neighbor Island Videoconferencing Program was piloted by the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts. In its second year, the two committees will continue to pilot this project, increasing the amount of constituents that can be reached and who can testify by expanding statewide. Hearing notices for the pilot project hearings will indicate that videoconferencing testimony will be allowed and contain a link to instructions for the public on how to participate. Because this is a pilot project, there are some limitations to how many individuals are able to participate. Following the completion of the legislative session, the project will be evaluated.
(Photo and video courtesy of the Hawaii Senate Communications Office)
Thursday, February 6, 2014
New GIS Apps Making Finding Hawaii Legislators Easier
Developed to fulfill need identified by public
The State of Hawaii has launched new online applications ("Apps") to assist members of the public in identifying their legislative representatives and connecting live to each legislator's website.
The two innovative Apps, Your 2014 Hawaii State Senate and Your 2014 Hawaii State House, were developed by the state Office of Planning (OP) and GIS vendor Esri in response to public interest. The resources utilize a combination of the state's newly modernized geographic information systems (GIS) infrastructure and Esri's ArcGIS Online platform.
SENATE OFFERS VIDEOCONFERENCING OPTION FOR PUBLIC TESTIMONY STATEWIDE
Beginning this legislative session, all Hawaii residents will now have the chance to testify at hearings before the Senate Committees on Education (EDU) and Technology and the Arts (TEC) without physically being there. In January 2013, the Senate began a pilot project to allow neighbor island residents the opportunity to participate in the legislative process without traveling to Oahu. Understanding that access is also a barrier for Oahu residents, the committees will now pilot the videoconferencing technology statewide.
"Ensuring access and citizen and stakeholder participation is especially important when it comes to issues dealing with public education and our schools," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee. "Expanding our use of this type of technology to connect people with policymakers will only strengthen and enhance the quality of legislation produced."
The Hawaii State Senate will launch its Statewide Videoconferencing Pilot Program beginning with the Senate Committee on Education's first hearing on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 1:15 p.m. and continue with hearings from both the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts throughout the 2014 Legislative Session.
"It's not uncommon for people to have to sit through a two-hour hearing just to speak for one minute on one measure," added Senator Glenn Wakai, chairman of the Senate Technology and Arts Committee. "If we can reduce the barriers to civic engagement by reducing the cost and time people spend to voice their concerns, we are on our way to creating a better Hawaii."
In its inaugural year, the Neighbor Island Videoconferencing Program was piloted by the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts. In its second year, the two committees will continue to pilot this project, increasing the amount of constituents that can be reached and who can testify by expanding statewide. Hearing notices for the pilot project hearings will indicate that videoconferencing testimony will be allowed and contain a link to instructions for the public on how to participate. Because this is a pilot project, there are some limitations to how many individuals are able to participate. Following the completion of the legislative session, the project will be evaluated.
During Monday's Senate Education Committee, lawmakers will take up two measures that address air conditioning in schools. The bills call for the creation of a master strategic plan for the cooling of public schools.
Hawai‘i State Legislature to Receive Overview on Kindergarten Entry Age Transformation
The Senate and House committees on education will be holding a joint informational briefing to receive an overview of the ongoing efforts to support upcoming changes to Hawaii's kindergarten entry age.
The briefing will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in Senate Conference Room 414.
"We are all working hard to make sure our families impacted by this age change have the information and support necessary to make the transition as smooth as possible," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chair of the Senate Committee on Education. "Ensuring that our late born children are taken care of, and having our public and private providers ready to step up to meet their needs will not happen overnight. This has been a multi-agency effort, and I applaud the willingness of all of our early learning stakeholders to be involved in the process."
The following individuals have been invited to participate:
• GG Weisenfeld, Director, Executive Office on Early Learning
• Kathryn Matayoshi, Superintendent, Department of Education
• Pankaj Bhanot, Division Administrator, Department of Human Services, Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division
• Kim Guieb-Kang, Operations Specialist, Hawai‘i P-3 Initiative
• Katherine Murphy, Executive Director, Hawai‘i Association for the Education of Young Children
Kindergarten enrollment transformations will initiate in the 2014-15 school year. As required by Act 178, Session Laws of 2012, a child must be five years old on or before July 31 of the school year to enter kindergarten. Previously, the State of Hawai‘i allowed children to enter kindergarten if they turned five on or before December 31. This change in date aligns Hawai‘i with the vast majority of states.
This informational briefing will be broadcasted by Capitol TV on ‘Olelo channel 53 and live streamed at www.olelo.org.
Informational Briefing on GEAR UP Hawaii to be Held at Waipahu High School
In light of National GEAR UP Week, the Senate and House Committees on Education will be holding an informational briefing to receive an overview of the federally-funded program GEAR UP Hawaii (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs).
The briefing will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013, at the Waipahu High School Library at 9:30 a.m.
"With National GEAR UP Week underway, this is the ideal time for us to go out and do an informational briefing at a school that has been recognized nationally for both its students and early college success," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chair of the Senate Committee on Education. "We need to ensure that our middle and high school students have equal access, and are aware and take advantage of every opportunity available to them in order to thrive in both college and career."
Funded through the U.S. Department of Education, GEAR UP Hawaii seeks to significantly increase the number of low-income middle and high school students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Run under the Hawaii P-20 Partnership for Education, the program is comprised of several public, nonprofit, and private sector partners. GEAR UP Hawaii serves over 16,000 public school students in grades 7 to 12 through the first year in college across the State of Hawaii each year.
Representatives from the following have been invited to present:
• Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education
• GEAR UP Hawaii
• Hawaii State Department of Education
• GEAR UP Nanakuli-Waianae - UH West Oahu
• GEAR UP Waipahu - UH Manoa
• Principal, Waipahu High School
There are three programs in Hawaii: the Statewide GEAR UP Hawaii, GEAR UP Partnership between UH West Oahu and Nanakuli-Waianae Intermediate and High Schools, and GEAR UP Partnership between UH Manoa and Waipahu Intermediate and High Schools.
Senate Education Chair to Hold Weighted Student Formula Discussions with Principals Statewide
Senate Education Chair Jill Tokuda will meet with all of Hawaii's principals to receive feedback and comments about the way public schools are funded through the Weighted Student Formula (WSF). The meetings will take place in small talk story settings across the State, focused primarily on the WSF, but also other important issues principals would like to discuss.
WHEN: Summer and Fall of 2013 - Beginning Thursday, July 11, 2013 with Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex Area
WHERE: Statewide site visits to all of the Complex Areas
In 2004, the Legislature passed Act 51, which created the WSF with the goal of empowering Principals to act as the educational leaders of their schools. As the 10th anniversary of Act 51 approaches, the Senate Education Committee has been focusing on making sure that the significant reforms set forth in Act 51 have not only been put into place, but that the desired outcomes have been achieved.
"To simply pass legislation is not enough. It is always important that we go back and assess how the policies we create are being implemented and resulting in the desired changes in practice we were hoping to achieve." stated Senator Jill Tokuda. "We must also not be afraid to make changes based upon the feedback we receive, and these talk story sessions will provide me with valuable insights from key stakeholders as to our current method for funding schools."
As set forth in Senate Resolution 61 (2012), the Department of Education contracted with American Institutes for Research (AIR) for an evaluation of Hawaii's WSF which was completed and finalized in June 2013. As a part of the evaluation, key stakeholders, including principals, were interviewed and/or surveyed on their views on the WSF. These talk story meetings will provide principals the opportunity to comment on the WSF report's findings and recommendations and to add their own thoughts and opinions that may or may not have been included.
Senator Tokuda to hold Senate District 24 Town Hall Meeting (UPDATED)
Senator Jill Tokuda will host a Senate District 24 Town Hall Talk Story Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Windward Community College in Hale ‘Ākoakoa 107 and 109.
As a result of recent burglaries and mail theft in Windward neighborhoods, Senator Tokuda has invited a member of the Honolulu Police Department's Community Policing Team to be in attendance to talk with residents about their neighborhood watch programs and how interested individuals can start up a group.
"Our legislative town hall meetings provide excellent opportunities to engage with our constituents, allowing them to share their thoughts and perspectives with me, and to have their questions and concerns answered and addressed," stated Tokuda.
Similar to the series of town hall meetings held since 2008 and hosted by Senator Tokuda, this meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about issues facing our community and talk about the 2013 legislative session.
Governor Neil Abercrombie signed into law today a measure that is cornerstone to what will one day become a state-funded early childhood education program for Hawaii.
Senate Bill (SB) 1093 expands the Preschool Open Doors program as the basis for ensuring our children are ready for school and is the foundation to the development of an early learning system.
"This measure reaffirms the Legislature's commitment to our youngest of keiki," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chair of the Senate Committee on Education, and strong supporter of early childhood education. "It provides a concrete investment in Hawaii's efforts to join the vast majority of states that direct resources towards school readiness and early learning."
This measure will also provide services to a gap group of children who will no longer be eligible for kindergarten beginning in 2014 due to the change in the minimum kindergarten entry age.
"Putting into law a more robust, expanded version of the Preschool Open Doors Program allows us to most efficiently and effectively utilize the resources provided, with the overall goal of working with providers to achieve school readiness in our late born population that cannot attend kindergarten in 2014-15," she explained. "Access to educational opportunities is one of the greatest equalizers we can give our children, ensuring every chance that they can have to be successful in both school and life."
The program will be administered by Department of Human Services. SB 1093 appropriates $1.160M for administration costs for two years and $6M in FY15 for subsidies based on a sliding fee scale that the Department of Human Services will develop.
"Today's investment builds a firm foundation of readiness for our youngest keiki as they prepare to enter school, and will serve our state well as we move towards creating a high quality publicly funded early learning system," said Tokuda.
The bill went into effect immediately upon receiving the signature of the Governor today. View the media release.
Legislators and children from Seagull Schools join Governor Neil Abercrombie for the signing of Senate Bill 1093. L-R: Rep. Takashi Ohno, Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, Sen. Jill Tokuda, Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Rep. Mark Hashem, Sen. Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Photo Courtesy: Senate Communications) Monday, June 17, 2013
Senator Tokuda to hold Senate District 24 Town Hall Meeting
Senator Jill Tokuda will host a Senate District 24 Town Hall Talk Story Meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2013, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Windward Community College in Hale ‘Ākoakoa 107 and 109.
"Our legislative town hall meetings provide excellent opportunities to engage with our constituents, allowing them to share their thoughts and perspectives with me, and to have their questions and concerns answered and addressed," stated Tokuda.
Similar to the series of town hall meetings held since 2008 and hosted by Senator Tokuda, this meeting will provide residents with an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about issues facing our community and talk about the 2013 legislative session.
Anyone with questions or requiring special assistance should call 587-7215. View the news release.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
HAWAII LAWMAKERS SELECTED FOR NATIONAL EARLY LEARNING FELLOWS PROGRAM
House and Senate Education Chairs Roy Takumi and Jill Tokuda Tapped to Participate in Program Sponsored by National Conference of State Legislatures
Representative Roy Takumi (Pearl City, Manana, Waipio) and Senator Jill Tokuda (Kāne‘ohe, Kāne‘ohe MCAB, Kailua, He‘eia, Āhuimanu) are among legislators from across the country who will participate in a new Early Learning initiative by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
The endeavor is designed to support emerging legislative leaders on early childhood learning expand their knowledge in all areas related to pre-kindergarten education.
Takumi and Tokuda were instrumental in stewarding early education bills through the 2013 Legislative Session, and successfully implementing into law the foundation for phasing in early learning in Hawaii, an issue which had been endlessly discussed since the 1990's without concrete resolution.
"State Legislatures have been on the forefront of addressing the early educational needs of our children. The NCSL Early Learning Fellows Program will enable us to get more information on policy issues, training, assessment, accountability and governance of early learning to better make decisions on Hawaii's early education policies," said Representative Takumi.
Takumi also served as a co-chair at the National Conference of State Legislature's (NCSL) Foundation for State Legislatures Partnership on Educator Effectiveness. First elected to the State House of Representatives in 1992, Takumi served as Chair of the Higher Education Committee from 2001-2003 and as Chair of the Committee on Education from 2003 to the present.
"Early childhood education is one of the greatest equalizers we can give our children, ensuring every chance that they can have to be successful in both school and life," said Tokuda. "As we build Hawaii's early learning system, we hope to integrate models of best practice from across the country with what we know works best locally to meet the needs of our children and families. Collaborating and engaging with colleagues and experts in the field of early childhood through this program will allow us to do this."
Tokuda has served as the Senate's education chair since 2011 and served as higher education chair since 2009. Tokuda has served in the Hawaii State Senate since 2007.
The program will also allow the Hawaii lawmakers to meet, discuss and learn from fellow legislators working on the issue, and engage with research and policy experts who are leaders in the field of early childhood learning.
Creating Endowments to Benefit Hawaii's Public Schools - SCR77 (2012)
Senate Concurrent Resolution 77 urged the Department of Education and the Board of Education to encourage all schools or complexes to develop fundraising foundations to support the efforts and initiatives of the administrators, teachers and students. A few public schools have already benefited from such well-functioning support organizations, in particular Farrington, Kahuku, Hilo and McKinley High Schools, which have each raised over $1M over the years.
We hope that this information will serve as a resource to any school interested in pursuing the creation of a foundation. We thank the representatives of the aforementioned foundations for generously volunteering their time and their expertise in helping with SCR77 and with being opened to further volunteering any future assistance to those who will do the actual work to bring about new foundation organizations.
Senator Tokuda joins Kalani High School Robotics students to talk about Education Week 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hawaii State Senate Education Chair to Host Early Learning Hangout
Hawaii State Senate Committee on Education Chair Jill Tokuda, along with United States Senator Mazie K. Hirono and preschool providers from around the State, will utilize Google+ Hangout on Friday, March 22, 2013 to talk about the newly introduced Providing Resources Early for Kids Act (PRE-K Act) and how Hawaii can best position itself to be a part of future federal investments in state preschool programs. During the live virtual roundtable moderated by Senator Tokuda, participants will be taking questions from the general public live via Twitter, through the hashtag #HIEarlyEd.
Introduced by Senator Hirono earlier this month, the PRE-K Act creates a new federal-state partnership that incentivizes states to both improve the quality of state preschool programs and expand to serve more children in need. Under this legislation, states like Hawaii could apply for startup funds if they submit a plan to establish a high-quality preschool program within two years.
WHEN: Friday, March 22, 2013
10:00 am-11:00 am: Senator Jill Tokuda to host panel with local preschool providers
Approx. 10:30 am- 11:00 am: Senator Mazie K. Hirono to join panel discussion from Washington, D.C. (The United States Senate is currently voting on a number of measures & the Senator will be joining the discussion between votes.)
"Hawaii's children deserve the lifelong advantages that equal access to high-quality early education affords. Senator Mazie K. Hirono's PRE-K Act is fundamental, and would provide states like Hawaii with support as we build a robust early learning system for our youngest of keiki," said Senator Jill Tokuda. "This topic is top of mind to so many right now, and we recognize the unique opportunity new media presents us with to engage with constituents and connect across the islands and to our nation's capitol."
Google+ Hangouts provide users the capability to video chat with multiple individuals at the same time. Google+ Hangouts in concert with other social media vehicles continue to be used by government officials seeking new ways to engage with those they serve. This is Tokuda's second Google+ Hangout event this legislative session. In February, Tokuda conducted the Senate's first ever Hangout, dubbed the "Principal Hangout," in which she sat down with principals from around the State to talk about the Weighted Student Formula.
A proponent for enhancing civic engagement in the policymaking process, Senator Tokuda continues to advance the Senate's commitment to ending the geographical divide that confronts our island state through the use of technology. As chair of the Senate's Committee on Education, she is one of two committees piloting the Senate's new Neighbor Island Video Conferencing Program. She has also conducted several Twitter Town Halls.
Friday's Early Learning Hangout will take place during this year's Education Week at the Hawaii State Capitol. View the media advisory. Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Senate Spotlight Featuring Senator Jill Tokuda
Friday, February 8, 2013
Principals "Hangout" with Senate Education Chair
This afternoon, Senate Committee on Education Chair Jill Tokuda, sat down with principals from around the state to talk about the Weighted Student Formula in a live Google+ Hangout. During the virtual roundtable, principals from Kapaa High School, Kaneohe Elementary School, Maui Waena Intermediate School, and Waiakea High School shared their insights on the distribution of funds for school budgets.
Hosted by Senator Jill Tokuda, today's "Principal Hangout" was a first for the Hawaii State Senate. Principals participating in the discussion included: Daniel Hamada, Kapaa High School Principal; Derek Minakami, Kaneohe Elementary School Principal; Jamie Yap, Maui Waena Intermediate School Principal; and Kelcy Koga, Waiakea High School Principal.
"Today's virtual discussion showed us yet another simple way to engage our constituents and communities in the work we do here at the State Capitol," said Senator Jill Tokuda. "We are continuing to advance the Senate's commitment to ending the geographical divide that confronts our island state through the use of technology, and I look forward to having more Google+ Hangouts in the future."
Google+ Hangouts provides users the capability to video chat with multiple individuals at the same time. Google+ Hangouts in concert with other social media vehicles continue to be leveraged by government officials seeking new ways to engage with those they serve. Last month, Vice President Joe Biden participated in a "Fireside Hangout," in which he sat down with Americans from around the country to talk about proposals to reduce gun violence.
This is Tokuda's second social media event this legislative session. In January, Tokuda hosted a Twitter Town Hall on Early Learning. View the media release.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Senate Uses Technology to Connect with Neighbor Island Constituents
Beginning this legislative session, neighbor island constituents will have the chance to testify at a Senate hearing without physically being there. By using the Hawaii State Senate's new Neighbor Island Video Conferencing Program, constituents on the neighbor islands will be able to participate in the legislative process and have their voices heard without traveling to Oahu.
"This pilot project is intended to afford neighbor island individuals the opportunity to actively participate in formulating new legislation, while avoiding travel and related expenses associated with testifying at a Senate committee hearing," said Senate President Donna Mercado Kim. "At the same time, the Senate will benefit from State, County, and community input and discussion that previously may have been missing."
The Hawaii State Senate will launch its Neighbor Island Videoconferencing Pilot Program with the Senate Committee on Education on Friday, January 25, in Room 414 of the State Capitol at 2 p.m.
The Senate Committee on Education will demonstrate and introduce this new concept during its informational briefing to discuss the progress of the state's Race to the Top grant and ESEA flexibility application with a live testimonial from Keaau Elementary School Principal Chad Farias on the Big Island via videoconference.
"Our committee contemplates issues that impact communities statewide and video conferencing allows us to ensure that critical stakeholders like parents, students, educators and community leaders can share their thoughts with us on important policy matters we are considering," said Senator Jill Tokuda, chair of the Senate Committee on Education. "We encourage everyone to actively engage with us in this pilot project, and exercise your right and responsibility to be involved in the legislative process."
In its inaugural year, the Neighbor Island Video Conferencing Program is being piloted by the Senate Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Technology and the Arts. Along with neighbor island residents, State or County departments based on a neighbor island may participate in this project. Hearing notices for the pilot project hearings will indicate that videoconferencing testimony will be allowed and contain a link to instructions for the public on how to participate. Because this is a pilot project, there are some limitations to how many individuals are able to participate. Following the completion of the Legislative Session, the project will be evaluated. View the media release.
Governor Signs Bill to Establish the Office on Early Learning
Governor Neil Abercrombie signed Senate Bill 2545, Relating to Education, into law. The measure establishes the Executive Office on Early Learning.
Currently, Hawaii is just one of eleven states without a publically funded preschool program. SB 2545 works in concert with the Governor's Early Childhood Education Initiative to help the State join the rest of the country and meet its goal of providing a viable early learning system for Hawaii's youngest keiki.
"What we know as parents and what the research tells us is clear: access to developmentally and age appropriate educational opportunities makes a difference," said Senate Committee on Education Chair Jill Tokuda.
SB2545 establishes the Executive Office on Early Learning to provide for the necessary coordination and cooperation amongst all relevant governmental departments and agencies. In addition, the existing Early Learning Council will transition into its new role as the Early Learning Advisory Board, providing guidance and perspective from the public and private sector.
To assist in the implementation of a uniform early learning program SB 2545 will phase out Junior Kindergarten, repealing the program at the end of the 2013-2014 school year. In 2008 Hawaii established Keiki First Steps, a statewide early learning system, focused on maximizing public and private resources to ensure the delivery of services throughout our communities.
"SB2545 represents the very first steps of Keiki First Steps," said Senator Jill Tokuda. "The measure calls on the Office to develop an implementation plan and projected financials to ensure a seamless transition to an early learning system, focusing on those targeted four year olds most impacted by the loss of Junior Kindergarten."
The measure also clarifies a law passed in 2010 by making clear that a child must be at least 5 years old by July 31st in order to enter kindergarten, but pushes back this mandate back to the 2014-15 year to align with the implementation of Keiki First Steps, and focused on ensuring all children have meaningful options. View the media release.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Governor Signs Measure to Strengthen Charter School System
Governor Neil Abercrombie enacted Senate Bill (SB) 2115 and SB 2116, Relating to Charter Schools, into law. Together, SB 2115 and SB 2116 strengthen Hawaii's Charter School System by increasing accountability in the governance of Hawaii's Charter Schools that will foster improved student outcomes.
SB 2115, the charter school omnibus measure, puts in place a comprehensive governance system for Hawaii's charter schools. The measure establishes clear lines of authority and clarifies the relationships, responsibilities, and lines of accountability among stakeholders of Hawaii's Charter School System. SB 2116 appropriates funds to help with the transition.
"Senate Bill 2115 puts in place a solid system of governance that will be good for our students, families and community," said Senate Committee on Education Chair Jill Tokuda. "It ensures that charter schools maintain the autonomy and flexibility they need to be innovative while providing the requisite level of accountability as these are public school students, and tax payer dollars."
SB 2115 and SB 2116 are a direct result of the Charter School Governance, Accountability, and Authority Task Force (CSGTF) which was Co-Chaired by Senator Jill Tokuda and Representative Della Au Belatti.
While countless hours have gone into these measures, the real work lies ahead in the implementation and transition," said Senator Tokuda, "Change is never easy, and if we are going to be successful we will need the buy in and participation of all stakeholder groups."
Charter School Governance, Accountability, and Authority Task Force
CSGTF was established during the 2011 Session through the enactment SB 1174 (Act 130). This bill was introduced to address several issues brought to surface relating to charter schools. Act 130 established a task force that sought accountability among stakeholders of the charter school system. Objectives of the task force were to develop legislation or administrative rules on the governance structure of charter schools, identify oversight and monitor responsibilities of the charter school review panel, as well as to discuss funding related issues. View the media release.
Senator Tokuda is hosting a community meeting in Maunawili. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Agriculture, and Hawaiian Electric Company will be present to share with the community what projects they are working in the area. Click here to view the informational flyer.
Charter School Task Force Holds Meeting to Address Issues
HONOLULU -- The Charter School Governance, Accountability, and Authority Task Force (CSGTF) will be holding its first meeting on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10 a.m. in conference room 225, at the State Capitol.
The Task Force is co-chaired by Senate Education Committee Chair Jill Tokuda and House Education Committee Vice-Chair Della Au Belatti. Click here to read more.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Governor Abercrombie Signs Bill Relating to School Repair and Maintenance
HONOLULU -- Governor Neil Abercrombie this afternoon signed Senate Bill 1383 into law. The bill, now Act 150, allows the Hawaii 3R's School Repair and Maintenance Fund to receive money from the School-Level Minor Repairs and Maintenance Special Fund.
Hawaii 3R's (Repair, Remodel and Restore Hawaii's public schools) was created in 2001 by U.S. Senator Dan Inouye. The organization's mission is to form public-private partnerships to tackle the millions of dollars in repair and maintenance backlog. Since its inception, the State has saved an estimated $37.7 million in costs for school repairs and maintenance. Click here to read more.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Hiki NŌ Completes Its First Season
Congratulations to all of the students of HIKI NŌ for completing their first season on the nation's first statewide student news network! Their final episode, which recaps the whole season, and all episodes from this season, can be seen at www.pbshawaii.org
Senator Tokuda and the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation will be hosting the fourth in a series of discussions about the future of Kawai Nui Marsh on Saturday, April 2, 2011, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Le Jardin Academy's Lower School Multi-Purpose Room. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
On March 15, 2011, the Senate Education Committee invited high school robotics teams to demonstrate their robots at the Hawaii State Capitol as part of the 8th Annual Education Week.
Senator Tokuda Seeks Motivated Windward Prep or Community College Student for ACE Internship at State Capitol
Senator Jill N. Tokuda is again putting out the call for students to apply for her annual "A Capitol Experience" (ACE) Internship Program for the 2011 legislative session. In previous years, this internship was only available to Windward O‘ahu high school students. This year, Senator Tokuda is proud to announce that the program will also be open to all Windward Community College students.
Established in 2007, the ACE Internship program offers a paid position to a motivated student who has an interest in government and serving as an advocate for issues he or she cares about. This internship will also provide the intern with a first-hand opportunity to learn about government and the legislative process.
"Years ago, others opened the door for me, helping me to realize the role I could play in making Hawaii a better place," said Tokuda. "That's why it is so important to me that we keep those doors open for others - providing young people with the opportunity to realize the roles and responsibilities they have in our government,".
The student who is selected will be assisting the senator and her staff with monitoring legislation, conducting research, assisting with constituent concerns, and writing articles about her experience for the Senator's monthly newsletter.
"Especially given my capacity as the Chair of the Education Committee and the reform efforts under consideration, it is critically important to me to support our future leaders and gain their perspectives on issues that could have a profound effect on their futures," said Tokuda.
Windward O‘ahu high school or Windward Community College students who wish to apply for this internship can contact Darlene Tsukazaki at (808) 587-7215 or via email at d.tsukazaki@capitol.hawaii.gov. Information packets were also mailed to all Windward high schools and Windward Community College's Career Center. All applications must be submitted by Wednesday January 12, 2011.
Application packets are also available in the Documents & Links section.
Senator Tokuda's Art Review (STAR) Program will once again be displaying the artwork of students from Windward O‘ahu at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. The artwork from students studying at Windward Community College, Ben Parker Elementary, Kane‘ohe Elementary, and Kapunahala Elementary can be viewed in the chamber level of the State Capitol throughout the months of January and February and will feature various mediums of art.
