Senate President, VP Support Closure of Public Schools

PC: Hawaiʻi Senate Majority. (April 13, 2018)

Gov. David Ige announced today that all publicly funded schools throughout Hawai’i will be closed for the next two weeks, until March 30.

The closure includes all public schools, charter schools, track schools, A+, and early learning classrooms. Federally funded Head Start and Pre-Plus will also be following the State’s lead and closing. State officials will be monitoring the situation and making further announcements in the weeks ahead.

“Extending spring break is a precaution that we need to take. We know many parents who are working parents will be facing childcare issues. We hope that employers in Hawai‘i will consider making alternate work arrangements for parents such as teleworking so they can stay home with their children if possible,” Senate Vice President and Education Chair Michelle Kidani said in a press release

Senate President Ron Kouchi said, “I echo Education Chair Kidani’s comments about supporting parents impacted by this change. We must act in the best interest of our educators and students. House and Senate leadership have been discussing the next steps the Legislature will be taking to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and we will be making an announcement early next week.”