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Senate honors student showcases, Papahana Okayona and 33 schools during Education Week
Summary
During Education Week the Senate recognized Papahana Okayona and dozens of visiting students and educators, highlighted student-led sustainability work that has raised more than $100,000, and asked that visiting names be entered in the Senate Journal.
The Senate recognized students, educators and community partners Wednesday as part of the fourth day of its Education Week activities, with senators honoring program leaders and student groups from across the state.
Senator DeCourt introduced Brianna Joshua and guests from Papahana Okayona, describing the early-childhood program’s four-year run out of a temporary space in Nanakuli and saying “they are in the process of securing their own property, a permanent home on the Winai Coast,” with support from partners including Kamehameha Schools and community health providers. DeCourt asked colleagues to welcome the program and its staff and family members in the gallery.
The session also highlighted a student sustainability group, Scrapas Union 96792. A senator said the club has “already secured over $100,000 in funding” to expand work bringing cardboard shredders to schools to reduce waste and greenhouse gases. Senators asked the chamber to applaud the students and their advisors and to enter visiting students’ and teachers’ names into the Senate Journal for the record.
Senators from multiple districts introduced and recognized visiting classes, principals and teachers from diverse public and charter schools taking part in the Capitol’s showcase, including Wilson Elementary, Manana Elementary, Milani Malka Elementary and others cited as National Blue Ribbon schools or local honorees. The Senate also recognized Marissa Toyoka as the 2026 Hawaii School Counselor Association Counselor of the Year and described several schools’ measurable improvements in attendance and test scores.
The recognitions were primarily ceremonial: senators welcomed guests, described school programs or awards, and requested that participants’ names be entered into the official journal. The Senate President agreed to enter the lists when they are submitted to the clerk. The chamber then moved on to routine business and adjourned until 11:30 AM the next day.
