Growing up in Hāna, a small town on Maui’s eastern coastline, I have always been proud of our community and our resilience. However, recent developments at Hāna School have highlighted serious concerns that cannot be ignored. The students, teachers, and families of Hāna School are facing troubling conditions that demand immediate attention and intervention.

**Hostile Campus Conditions and Unequal Access:**
Stories from parents and students reveal a pattern of hostile campus environments that create unnecessary stress and barriers to learning. Reports of unequal access to facilities based on program enrollment further exacerbate these tensions. Every student, regardless of their program, should have the right to learn in an environment that is supportive and equitable.  Preschool students should not have to share a bathroom with high school students.  

**Water Quality Issues:**
It has come to our attention that concerns about water quality and access  in all areas have been raised, yet action has been limited. Safe drinking water is a basic human right and it is crucial to ensure that the children of Hāna School have access to clean and safe water. This should be a priority for any institution responsible for the well-being of our keiki.

**Wrongful Terminations, Hiring Practices, and Poor Educational Outcomes:**
Allegations of wrongful and unjust terminations and pressure on dedicated staff members to retire early are deeply concerning. The departure of beloved teachers and coaches impacts the quality of education and the emotional well-being of students. Additionally, public school hiring policies require transparent processes and fair selection committees to ensure qualified candidates are chosen on merit and that policies that exist to protect students, staff, and public trust. These hiring practices have NOT been consistently followed at Hāna School. Educational outcomes have consistently fallen below state averages, with math and reading proficiency significantly behind state benchmarks. Our students deserve qualified, fairly-hired, and supported educators.  At Hana High & Elementary School, about 16% to 22% of students are proficient in math (State average is 41%),  and 24% to 29% are proficient in reading (State average is 53%).

Furthermore, any investigation into these issues must be thorough, independent, and transparent. Only through accountability and action will trust be rebuilt between the school administration and the community it serves. Therefore, we urge the Hawaii Department of Education to initiate a complete investigation into the conditions and practices at Hāna School.

By signing this petition, you stand with the children of Hāna, supporting their right to a safe and fair educational environment. Let us advocate for equal access to resources, better learning conditions, and a robust accountability system. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for every student at Hāna School. Please sign to show your support for these crucial changes now.