Native Hawaiian Education Programs Monitor Threat to Funding

Liko A’e 2012 Scholars and ‘Ohana at Paeloko March 2nd. Courtesy photo UHMC.

By Wendy Osher

Legislation that would have eliminated $34 million in funding for native Hawaiian education programs has since been amended in the US House of Representatives on Thursday, but still faces an uncertain future.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard who introduced the Native Hawaiian Education Act re-authorization bill, celebrated its inclusion into the act yesterday; but today voted against final passage of HR 5, also known as the “Student Success Act.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (right) speaks with Maui stakeholders during a meeting discussing the future of the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Rep. Gabbard said that while she was “thrilled” that her amendment was included in the bill, in the end she said, “I could not support the final legislation and its damaging impacts on so many of our keiki.”

“Unfortunately, this bill makes permanent damaging cuts to education, eliminates crucial accountability measures, and hurts disadvantaged and under-served children. In order to invest in our future, we have to provide adequate resources and meaningful accountability to ensure that all our students have equal access to quality education,” said Gabbard in a press release today.

Rep. Gabbard said HR5 in its current form would “lock in sequester cuts to education funding, and lower standards and accountability for schools with underserved populations.”

Gabbard also voted in favor of a Democratic substitute that would have strengthened the bill saying, “We need to make sure we are investing in the future of all of our children.”

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs released information yesterday saying threats still remain, and is asking for continued support in raising awareness about the importance of the federally-funded programs for native Hawaiian education.

Some of the programs currently supported by federal funding on Maui are: Nā Pua Noʻeau Gifted and Talented Program; Liko Aʻe Native Hawaiian Leadership Program; Tutu And Me; Inpeace; and Keiki o ka ʻAina, to name a few.

HR 5, The Student Success Act, continues to be debated by the House, with final passage expected today.

Rep. Gabbard’s amendment was co-sponsored by Representatives Colleen Hanabusa of Hawaiʻi, Alaskan Congressman Don Young, and Minnesota Democrat Betty McCollum. Senators Murkowski and Begich have also offered similar Senate legislation to protect the programs.