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Hawaii County Council affirms support for Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy
Summary
Council approved Resolution 4‑27‑25 to reaffirm and support Kamehameha Schools' admissions policy and mission after public testimony from parents and alumni; the measure passed unanimously (9‑0).
HILO — The Hawaii County Council on Jan. 7 approved a resolution reaffirming support for Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy and mission, following public testimony from parents, alumni and community partners.
Marissa Harmon, speaking as a parent and community member, told the council she supported Resolution 4‑27‑25 for Kamehameha Schools’ role in preserving native Hawaiian education and culture. Patty Cook and other local speakers described long‑standing partnerships between the schools and public charter schools in Waimea and Puna and urged council support.
Council discussion was uniformly supportive. Vice Chair Onishi, who co‑introduced the resolution with Chair Inaba, said the measure is intended to uphold the legacy of Princess Keʻaliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop and protect the schools’ mission. Council members described Kamehameha Schools as a major community partner providing scholarships, preschools and cultural programming.
Outcome: The motion to approve Resolution 4‑27‑25 was moved by Vice Chair Onishi and seconded by Council member Kurkowitz. The council voted “aye” and the motion carried unanimously (9‑0).
Why it matters: The resolution is symbolic but signals the county’s public support for institutions central to Native Hawaiian education on the island. Several councilmembers framed the action as both cultural affirmation and recognition of the schools’ community contributions.
Next steps: No additional county action was tied to the resolution; it was adopted on the council floor during the meeting.
