Kamehameha Schools’ Public Education Support Division (PESD) provides resources and technical support to Hawai`i’s public education system including start-up and conversion Hawaiian-focused charter schools, Native Hawaiian Immersion schools, and the broader Department of Education.  The PESD staff convenes, facilitates, and provides professional development opportunities that build teaching capacity in our communities and schools. In addition, as part of the overall public school collaboration, Kamehameha Schools participates in Na Lau Lama, a statewide initiative to improve academic outcomes for Native Hawaiian students in public schools. 

Hoÿolako Like Department (HLD)

In 2003, Kamehameha Schools initiated the Ho`olako Like Department (to enrich together) to support start-up and conversion Hawaiian-focused charter schools.  In addition to per-pupil funds, participating schools receive services from Kamehameha such as administrative and education board training, assistance with curriculum, program evaluation, teacher professional development, and accreditation. Five of the start-up schools are Hawaiian language based schools that conduct instruction in ÿolelo Hawaiÿi exclusively in the early elementary school grades, and the introduction of English in the later grades.  More than 3,000 students are enrolled in the Ho`olako Like participating schools. 

Ho`olako Like Participating Charter Schools

• Native Hawaiian Focused Start-Up Charter Schools

            Hālau Kū Mana
            Hakipu`u Learning Center
            Hālau Lōkahi
            Ka `Umeke Kāÿeo
            Ka Waihona O ka Na`auao
            Kanu O ka `Äina Learning `Ohana                                                       Kanuikapono
            Ke Kula Aupuni Ni`ihau A Kahelelani Aloha   
            Ke Kula Ni`ihau O Kekaha
            Ke Kula O Näwahīokalani`öpu`u `Iki
            Ke Kula O Samuel M. Kamakau
            Kua o ka Lä
            Ke Ana La`ahana

Ho`okako`o Corporation

Kamehameha Schools supports in their work with conversion charter schools in our state, the Ho`okako`o Corporation, a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of education being offered to Hawai`i's children. The corporation grew from the implementation of Act 2 (SLH 2002), which intended to expand education reform through conversion charter schools in Hawai`i.  Acting as an education change agent, Ho`okako`o provides support and services to three new century conversion school communities that serve 2,000 students in high need communities.  The group also seeks favorable policy changes to the political, legal and regulatory environment in which charter schools operate in Hawai`i. 

Ho`okako`o  

• Conversion Charter Schools

            Waimea Middle School
            Kualapuÿu Elementary School
            Kamaile Elementary School

Teacher Education & Professional Development (TEPD)

The TEPD supports teaching and learning in Native Hawaiian communities, working to build the capability of Hawai`i’s public school educators to deliver effective, quality educational services to Native Hawaiian students, from pre-K through graduate school.  TEPD works with teachers, educational assistants and administrators to foster ways to increase discipline expertise and to improve culturally relevant teaching strategies.  Initiatives include support to Hawaiian teacher education programs such as: Hälau Wänana, Ho`okuläiwai, Ka Lama Academy and Kahuawaiola.  Other initiatives include helping to build teacher capacity and numbers in mainstream public charter and immersion schools; and collaborative induction programs sharing effective strategies for supporting and retaining educators in public schools; teacher institutes, leadership and academic workshops, teacher revruitment and retention. 

Shawn Kanaiaupuni, Director PES, Phone 541-5365, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Walter Kahumoku III, Director TEPD, Phone 534-8177, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Ho`okako`o Corporation www.hookakoo.org

Charter School Administrative Office http://hcsao.org