📚 EDUCATION

“Teacher shortages mean larger class sizes and fewer resources for each student.”

Every child in Hawaiʻi deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the classroom, the workforce, and life. Strong schools create strong communities, strengthen our economy, and provide opportunities for future generations to build successful lives here at home.

Yet many students continue to face challenges ranging from aging facilities and teacher shortages to achievement gaps and workforce readiness concerns. At the same time, educators face rising living costs and increasing pressures that make recruitment and retention difficult.

If we want to keep local families in Hawaiʻi, we must invest in our students, support our teachers, and create educational pathways that prepare young people for tomorrow's careers.

Why this matters:

KEEPING LOCAL FAMILIES IN HAWAIʻI THROUGH STRONG SCHOOLS AND OPPORTUNITY

Hawaiʻi's public education system serves thousands of students across our islands, yet schools continue to face challenges with teacher retention, aging facilities, workforce preparedness, and educational outcomes.

Many teachers struggle with Hawaiʻi's high cost of living, making it difficult to attract and retain talented educators. Students also need greater access to career and technical education programs that connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

MY TOP 5 PRIORITIES:

Support and Retain Teachers by exploring housing assistance, professional development opportunities, and workforce incentives that help educators remain in Hawaiʻi.
Modernize School Facilities by investing in classroom upgrades, technology, air conditioning, safety improvements, and deferred maintenance projects.
Expand Career and Technical Education to prepare students for careers in healthcare, construction, agriculture, technology, skilled trades, and emerging industries.
Strengthen Workforce Readiness Programs through partnerships between schools, labor unions, businesses, and higher education institutions.
Improve Student Success and Opportunity by ensuring students have access to the resources, support services, and learning environments needed to reach their full potential.

PROPOSALS:

Fully fund essential classroom support staff, including counselors, educational assistants, and special education services.
Expand career and technical education pathways that prepare students for high-demand local jobs in fields such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and technology.
Introduce incentives to recruit and retain educators, including housing support, loan assistance, and cost-of-living relief for teachers working in high-cost communities.
Support teachers by addressing cost-of-living pressures so they can live and remain in Hawaiʻi long-term.
Increase funding for school facilities maintenance and ensure projects are completed on clear and transparent timelines.
Expand access to free and nutritious school meals while prioritizing local food sourcing where possible.

FACTS ABOUT EDUCATION IN HAWAIʻI:

Hawaiʻi continues to experience teacher shortages across multiple subject areas and grade levels.
The high cost of living makes recruiting and retaining educators increasingly difficult.
Many school facilities require modernization, maintenance, and technology upgrades.
Career and technical education programs play a growing role in preparing students for high-demand careers.
A strong education system is essential to developing Hawaiʻi's future workforce and strengthening our economy.

MOVING FROM TALK TO ACTION:

Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and every family deserves confidence that their children are receiving a quality education.

By supporting educators, investing in school facilities, and preparing students for future careers, we can strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and ensure future generations can continue to live, work, and thrive in Hawaiʻi.