Education

Free School Meals Are Popular. Hawaiʻi Isn’t Sold.  Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Free School Meals Are Popular. Hawaiʻi Isn’t Sold. 

Three years after lawmakers first considered making school meals free for all kids, students and teachers are still pushing for change.  

More Hawaiʻi Students Are Prepped For College. Will They Attend? Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

More Hawaiʻi Students Are Prepped For College. Will They Attend?

Hawaiʻi has been pushing for more college and career readiness for high school students, but college enrollment is stagnant.

$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers Courtesy Josh DeWeerd

$100K Tab For Failed Hawaiʻi Island Charter School May Fall To Taxpayers

The case raises questions about whether the state could be on the hook for millions of dollars if other charter schools close.

Hawaiʻi Storms: Governor Orders Oʻahu Shutdown Friday Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Hawaiʻi Storms: Governor Orders Oʻahu Shutdown Friday

Public schools, parks, libraries and most government offices on Oʻahu will close amid forecasts of heavy rain and strong winds.

As Climate Change Threatens Student Athlete Safety, States Try To Adapt Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

As Climate Change Threatens Student Athlete Safety, States Try To Adapt

But some school districts can’t afford to comply with requirements for special equipment or alternate practice schedules.

Early Education Bill Gutted, Replaced With School Leadership Restrictions Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Early Education Bill Gutted, Replaced With School Leadership Restrictions

Language from one of the Senate education chair’s failed bills suddenly reappeared in an unrelated piece of legislation. Critics say that could be unconstitutional. 

Hawaiʻi School Contract Failures Triggered Holdup Of $30M+ For Meals Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Hawaiʻi School Contract Failures Triggered Holdup Of $30M+ For Meals

Scrutiny of Hawaiʻi school contracting comes as lawmakers raise more questions about the costs of producing school lunches.

Police Use Of Pepper Spray At Hawaiʻi School Boosts Calls For Counselors Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2019

Police Use Of Pepper Spray At Hawaiʻi School Boosts Calls For Counselors

Some community members say the incident at a Kapolei Middle School underscores the need for behavioral health staff at the state’s public schools.

Should Hawaiʻi Pay More For Teachers With Master’s Degrees? David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Should Hawaiʻi Pay More For Teachers With Master’s Degrees?

Teachers with master’s degrees have a higher starting salary than those with bachelor’s degrees, but research suggests these degrees may not improve educator quality.