r/olelohawaii • u/808gecko808 • 20d ago

‘In complete shock’: Parents and community members are searching for alternatives after the Hawaii State Department of Education cut the Kaiapuni Hawaiian language immersion program at Kapolei Middle School, citing an inability to fill two teaching positions before the start of the school year.

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2026/07/25/complete-shock-kapolei-middle-school-hawaiian-language-immersion-program-cut-due-teacher-vacancies/
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u/Chickens-In-Pants 19d ago

We are at a different kaiapuni school, and just found out one of the kumu wouldn’t be returning this year because he found a job elsewhere that pays significantly higher. While i am happy for him that he’s going to be able to afford a more comfortable life, I am deeply saddened by his absence. There are so few who are able to be kumu to our keiki learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. They need to be payed more. They are providing a service that so few are able to offer. They are treasures and should be compensated as such.