Nov

17

Listening Session with BOE Member to be Held

Articles / In the Community

WAIMEA, HAWAII — The Waimea Community Association will hold its monthly town meeting on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Parker School Theater, beginning at 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The highlight of the town meeting will be a listening session with the Big Island’s State Board of Education (BOE) member, Brian DeLima. DeLima is among nine members who were appointed by the governor to the newly formed BOE earlier this year.

This “listening session” format is designed to help BOE members get acquainted with their respective communities and to receive feedback on issues concerning constituents.

Senator Malama Solomon urge residents to attend.

“While I have worked closely with Mr. DeLima for many years, especially in recent months to share constituents’ thoughts, hopes and concerns, there is nothing quite like discussing issues face-to-face with the families, educators, administrators and employers who depend on, live with, or provide public education services every day,” said Senator Solomon, who represents District 1, encompassing Waimea, Hamakua, South Hilo, Keaukaha and Hilo.

“Mr. DeLima brings a wealth of public policy experience to this position. Public education is the largest budget item for our state, and the size of the budget is only dwarfed by the complexity of a system that should be “the door of opportunity” for future generations.

Too often, our public education system falls short, and I hope this meeting will be an opportunity to share ideas about innovative strategies to improve academic and fiscal accountability at all levels.”

Background

Act 5, which was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2011, gives the governor the authority to appoint nine members, which would consist of: one member from the county of Hawaii, one member from the county of Maui, one member from the county of Kauai, three members from the city and county of Honolulu, and three at-large-members; provided that the governor select an at-large member as the chairperson.

Voters in the 2010 General Election approved a constitutional amendment calling for an appointed, rather than elected, Board of Education.

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Nov

13

Senator Kahele Hosts Education Forum

Articles / In the Community

WAIAKEA, BIG ISLAND — Senator Gilbert Kahele will be hosting an Education Forum, featuring the Hawai‘i County’s State Board of Education (BOE) Vice-Chairman, Brian De Lima, on Friday, December 2, 2011, beginning at 5:30 p.m. It will take place at the Waiakea High School Cafeteria (155 W. Kawili Street).

De Lima, who is among nine members who were appointed by the governor to the newly formed BOE earlier this year, will give an update on current Board of Education issues followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

“This forum is an opportunity for constituents to express their concerns regarding issues surrounding our state education system,” said Senator Gilbert Kahele, who represents District 2. “This is a chance for residents to engage in a thoughtful discussion with Mr. De Lima.”

Education Forum with Board of Education Member

Brian J. De Lima (Vice Chairman, Hawai‘i County)

Friday, December 2, 2011

5:30 p.m.

Waiakea High School Cafeteria

155 W. Kawili Street

Background:

Act 5, which was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2011, gives the governor the authority to appoint nine members, which would consist of: one member from the County of Hawai‘i, one member from the County of Maui, one member from the County of Kaua‘i, three members from the City and County of Honolulu, and three at-large-members; provided that the governor select an at-large member as the chairperson.

Voters in the 2010 General Election approved a constitutional amendment calling for an appointed, rather than elected, Board of Education.

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Apr

14

Hawaii State Senate Confirms its First Board of Education Members

Articles / Confirmations / Education

Senators congratulate the newly confirmed Board of Education members after they unanimously voted to confirm them.

HONOLULU- The State Senate today confirmed Hawaii’s first appointed Board of Education. The members were appointed by Governor Neil Abercrombie with the advise and consent of the Senate.

Act 5, which was signed into law by the governor on March 14, 2011, gives the governor the authority to appoint nine members, which would consist of: one member from the county of Hawaii, one member from the county of Maui, one member from the county of Kauai, 3 members from the city and county of Honolulu, and three at-large-members; provided that the governor select an at-large member as the chairperson.

“While each of the appointees are impressive in their own right and have talked about their vision and tangible plans for building upon our successes and making our school communities even better, I believe their real strength will lie in their ability to work together as a cohesive and committed group focused on bringing about real change,” said Jill Tokuda, chair of the committee.

“Sitting through the seven hours of confirmation hearings was like watching the pieces of a puzzle come together-and in the end, I believe everyone who witnessed the events walked away excited and hopeful, with a clear picture of what this board envisioned for the future,” said Tokuda

The appointees are:

Don Horner, chief executive officer and chairman of First Hawaiian Bank. Governor Abercrombie chose Horner to serve on the elected BOE to fill a vacancy on Feb. 9, and has designated him to serve as chair of the BOE.

Brian De Lima, attorney and former Hawaii County Council Member

Wesley Lo, chief executive officer at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Kim Gennaula, philanthropy director at the Kapiolani Health Foundation

Jim Williams, administrator and CEO of the Hawaii Employer-Union Benefits Trust Fund (retired)

Nancy Budd, attorney and a member of the Kauai Planning and Action Alliance Public Education Action Team

Charlene Cuaresma, associate director of the UH Manoa Graduate Professional Access Program

Cheryl Kauhane Lupenui, former chief executive officer of the YWCA on Oahu

Keith Amemiya, executive administrator and secretary of the Board of Regents

The board, which is composed of all volunteers, has set their first meeting on April 26, 2011.

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