Updates from Hōkūpaʻa

A new school year provides another chance for opportunities.

This month, we’re highlighting opportunities: opportunities for positive change we think new Department and Board of Education leadership need to take action on, as well as opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island ʻōpio to convene and grow as young community leaders.

If you’re new or looking for a refresher on Hōkūpa‘a, check out our (new) About Page. Previous newsletters are in the Archive Page.

Bright Spots: Stories of Impact

Featured Event:
'OAKA YOUTH Summit Kona

We are excited to finally announce details for the 2022 Hawaiʻi Island youth summits facilitated by our partners at Vibrant Hawaiʻi.

The 'OAKA YOUTH Summits are an island-wide initiative serving as a launch point to increase a sense of belonging for youth ages 15-22. It will provide an opportunity for youth to network, gain insight into their personal skills and strengths, and identify opportunities to contribute to community resilience.

Youth can register for the Kona summit at the Kona International Market on Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Full list of upcoming summit events:

• 8/27/22 at Pahoa Recreation Facility from 9:00am-2:30pm

• 9/10/22 at Kona International Market from 9:00am-2:30pm

• 9/17/22 at Kailapa Community Association from 9:00am-2:30pm

• 9/24/22 at Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub from 9:00am-2:30pm

• 10/01/22 at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus center from 9:00am-2:30pm

Your Voice

“I know the State DOE Student Transportation department is doing everything within their limited power to improve transportation for our children; however, they're up against a stone wall when it comes to coordinating bell times something the majority of school systems on the mainland have gotten correct. It works in districts much smaller than Hawaii and also in the largest districts in the country. It just needs leadership with open minds and teachers/union that are willing to do the right thing.

…I was overjoyed when I finally read an article that talked about improving the school system and even included transportation. We have bus contractors that work hard each and every day trying to transport students safely and efficiently within the parameters they've been dealt. With the DOE support of the school system from the School Board on down could tackle the bus driver shortage, not cure it entirely but make a huge dent that would help alleviate this major hurdle.”

— Community member, in response to our August op-ed: “Put Focus on Transportation, Digital Literacy, Learning Gap as Students Head Back to School”

Reach out!

• Get in touch using our contact page.

• Let us know if you have resources, events, or other opportunities that you’d like us to share in the next newsletter or within our networks.