Proposed Ke’anae Charter School begins Fundraising Campaign

Keanae Charter School Fundraiser flyer.

By Wendy Osher

The non -profit group, Ka Waianu o Haloa has launched a fund-raising effort in support of the establishment of a charter school in the remote East Maui town of Ke’anae.

Ka Waianu o Haloa was formed when the state-run Ke’anae School closed due to lack of funding and limited enrollment. Students affected by the closure are now bused to Hana High & Elementary School, about an hour away.

Organizers hope to establish a charter school that is much closer to home and founded in Hawaiian culture. The vision of the group is to support the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian identity and education to empower students and the community alike. The group in turn, hopes the values will carry over into economic stability and revitalization of the Ke’anae and Wailuanui region.

A fund-raiser in support of the effort takes place TONIGHT, Tuesday, January 25, 2011 from 5-10 p.m. at the Flatbread Pizza Company in Pa’ia. From 5-9 p.m., there will be a silent auction featuring Hawaiian instruments, a Hawaiian print blanket set, cultural posters, moon & tide calendars, and more.