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In the Dec. 2024 report to the Board of Education (BOE), Superintendent Keith Hayashi provided updates on U.S. Education Secretary Cardona’s visit with students and highlights of recent awards and recognitions for students, employees and schools.

For awards and recognitions, Superintendent Hayashi reported that Kalani High School established the first Coast Guard JROTC in Hawaiʻi. There are only 14 other units in the country. The program equips cadets with leadership training and skills with no obligations for military service.

Superintendent Hayashi also congratulated Jewelyn Kahele and Valerie Aguirre, Maui-based homeless liaisons under the Office of Student Support Services. They were named “Liaisons of the Year” by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth and were among the first providers to connect with families immediately after last year’s Maui Wildfires, and throughout the recovery.

He also congratulated Jefferson Elementary School students who won first place in the elementary division of the Bank for Education: KeikiCo business plan competition sponsored by American Savings Bank.

Superintendent Hayashi closed out December's report by recapping U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona's Dec. 6 visit to West Maui. Secretary Cardona saw first-hand how Lahaina students and schools are recovering after the Maui Wildfires. He visited King Kamehameha III Elementary School's temporary campus, where he spoke with Lahaina school leaders about how schools have supported students’ academic and emotional needs since the fires. He met with Lahainaluna High’s student government officers who shared their recovery stories and hopes for the future. Secretary Cardona thanked staff for their immense work helping students and families to recover.

See Superintendent's presentation slides.