2011-05-04 Windward transcript HAAS

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school of hard knocks. And in terms the third alternative, I’ve certainly been probably referred to that school a lot more in my lifetime. But in the last decade, especially in Hawaii, charter schools have become a viable and important alternative to the regular education system that we’re all accustom to. The difference between charters and regular schools is that charters have been successful and popular despite the lack of resources. They get less money per student, they have no administrative support from the DOE, and more importantly they are not given money for their facilities that you saw in the slide show this morning. For me the most important difference between charters and regular schools is the energy and commitment of the parents, the students, the teachers and staff of the school. Out-of- the-box thinking and creativity are the hallmark of charter schools. It is that out-of-the-box thinking and creative thinking that has brought us here this morning. Where parents, students, teachers, staff do it all in the charter school, they sometimes inadvertently get ahead of our land use planning laws. And we’re here today to make sure and pledge to the Commission and the County that ASC is committed to the process and the requirements of our County’s land use laws. So with that having been said, I’d like pass the mike to Gail Clarke. CLARKE: Thank you, Ted. Good morning, Commissioners. This has been a long time coming. As president of the Arts and Science Center since 2003, I want to assure the Commissioners and the Planning Director of our commitment to provide safe learning environments, including travel to and from our site. ASC formed as a 501c3 in 2003, to provide support and infrastructure for community based learning. Would the members of the current board of directors please stand and waive? (Approximately 5 stood up and waived) I’m going to do this so that we can demonstrate who we have without everybody having to testify today. In Pāhoa, ASC houses the Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science public charter school that has grown to serve hundreds of students each year in grades K-12. Would the faculty, staff, students and families supporting this application please quietly stand and waive? (Approximately 25 stood up and waived) Thanks, guys. Working hard to meet needs in our community, the growth of this project reflects the population increase and the diversity now typical in Puna. And the last stand, would all supporters please stand and waive? (Approximately 45 stood up and waived). We’re a kinesthetic bunch here. Thanks, guys. I’m not sure what the count is but maybe we can capture that in the minutes somehow. The Planning Department letter of recommendation is a fair and accurate view of the status of ASC and HAAS. I want to express appreciation for their hard work during this application process. There are two requests regarding suggested conditions for approval, and Mr. Hong will be putting those forth. I request that you consider them very carefully. Classrooms and programs have been established and it is time to renew focus on facilitating the required partnerships to improve the intersection of Highway 130 and Post Office Road. I believe you have heard plenty about Highway 130 from Kea‘au to Kalapana. We want to be a part of the solution finders to increase safety for all community members through education efforts as well as facilitation and grass roots pressure and to support planning, funding and improvements to the best of our ability. Thank you for consideration of our application. HONG: Our next speaker this morning is Steve Hirakami, the principal of the school. HIRAKAMI: Good morning. COMMISSIONERS: Good morning. 4 EXHIBIT A