From dKosopedia

Hawaii's first charter school law was enacted in 1994 and allowed only existing public schools the choice to convert to charter schools. Wai'alae Elementary and Lanikai Elementary were the first to convert.

Hawaii's New Century Charter Schools law was passed in 1999, capped new charters at 23 schools. Wai'alae Elementary and Lanikai Elementary automatically become New Century Charter Schools when the 1999 law passed. Since 1999, Kualapu'u Elementary School on Molokai and Waimea Middle School on the Big Island have converted from DOE public schools to charter schools. The Hawaii State Board of Education is the only chartering agency in the state of Hawaii.

The charter schools can be conversions of existing public schools, programs within existing schools or new programs. They are publically funded by the state but are exempt from state laws except those dealing with collective bargaining, discriminatory practices, health and safety requirements and federal policies.

Charter schools are funded less per pupil than other public schools and pay for their own facilities, which regular DOE schools do not.

Like regular public schools, charter schools in Hawaii must enroll a balanced representation of the school’s community, must not charge tuition and must abide by the state’s academic standards.

Principals, teachers and other school staff must belong to HGEA, UPW or HSTA.

Charters held accountable for students' academic performance and funds spent through a contract or charter with the state of Hawai'i. Charters are granted for a limited time - four hears in Hawai'i. The Charters may be renewed.

The Charter School Administrative Office (CSAO) of Hawai'i is established to be responsible for the internal organization, operation, and management of the charter schools in Hawai'i. The CSAO works under the direction of the Hawaii State Board of Education and the charter schools.

Contents 1 External links 1.1 1999 1.2 2000 1.3 2001 1.4 2002 1.5 2003 1.6 2004 1.7 2005 1.8 2006 1.9 2007

External links

• Charter Schools Adminstrative Office of Hawai'i
• Hawai'i Public Charter Schools Hawaii State Department of Education.
• University of Hawaii Charter School Resource Center University of Hawaii.
• Myron B. Thompson Academy Wikipedia.

1999

• Bills signed for pay raises, charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 2, 1999.

2000

• Charter school grants awarded Honolulu Advertiser, February 17, 2000.
• Charter Schools -- Autonomous schools spell reform for a system tangled in bureaucracy Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 14, 2000.
• Charter schools profiled: Kanu O Ka Aina New Century, Waters Of Life, West Hawaii and Connections Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 14, 2000.

2001

• Kua, Crystal. School spending a big test for state lawmakers -- The schools superintendent has asked the Legislature for an extra $164 million Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 9, 2001.
• Keesing, Alice. Freedom to educate without the red tape Honolulu Advertiser, February 19, 2001.
• Kua, Crystal. Charter schools battle ‘sunset’ provision -- The HGEA testifies in favor of the bill, saying issues must be addressed Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 13, 2001.
• Adamski, Mary. Ed board wants flexibility for charter schools -- Provisional charters would give time to settle facility and organizational details Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 2, 2001.
• Shapiro, Treena. UH Lab School could shut down if buildings, maintenance are lost Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 12, 2001.
• Donnelly, Christine. Voyager School full of promise at launch Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 19, 2001.
• Fujimori, Leila. Hawaiian studies get double boost from BOE Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 22, 2001.
• Charter school supporters say bill will weaken the movement Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 1, 2001.
• Donnelly, Christine. Hawaii charter school law weak, group says Hawaii's charter schools are hobbled by weak state law, mainland critics say Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 6, 2001.
• Kubota, Gary T. Kihei High School ready for class -- The new high school is OK'd by the state school board and will open this August Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 18, 2001.
• Kua, Crystal. Hakipu‘u school connects past lessons to present -- The charter school offers hands-on studies in taro farming as well as traditional classes Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 4, 2001.
• Reyes, B.J. DOE taking applications for full-time online school -- The department plans to accommodate about 150 students in the next school year Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 3, 2001.
• Kubota, Gary T. Kihei High to enjoy high-tech advantage Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 13, 2001.
• Fujimori, Leila. Education board approves 3 charter schools to hit state cap of 25 -- But the proposed Ka Lama Ku school was not approved due to the state limit Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 18, 2001.
• Fujimori, Leila. Ocean of Knowledge -- Nainoa Thompson takes 11 teenagers on an eclectic, 2-year journey of discovery Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 4, 2001.
• Kua, Crystal. Family’s land love lifelong -- Embracing the Aina Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 9, 2001.
• Kua, Crystal. State files suit to close Hilo charter school -- It alleges the school lacks an adequate site and proper funding Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 3, 2001.
• Thompson, Rod. Charter school faults state for troubles -- The state is trying to close Waters of Life on the Big Island Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 15, 2001.
• Thompson, Rod. School’s lawyer says state can’t enforce zoning laws Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 15, 2001.
• Fujimori, Leila. BOE accused of undermining charter schools -- Lanikai Elementary supporters say new regulations unfairly penalize teachers Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 10, 2001.
• Kua, Crystal. Red tape still tying up Hawaii charter schools -- Supporters say the Legislature must address the problems Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 16, 2001.

2002

• Hemmings, Fred. An uncooperative educational system threatens to sink isle charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 7, 2002.
• Thompson, Rod. Big Isle charter school sues state -- The suit accuses the state of not funding the school adequately Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 11, 2002.
• Kua, Crystal. Lawmakers aim to limit proliferation of charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 14, 2002.
• Kua, Crystal. Charter schools push for own district -- They will also propose legislation to become a chartering agency Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 17, 2002.
• Thompson, Rod. Charter school’s closure rejected -- A judge says financial woes are not reason enough for the state to close Waters of Life Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 17, 2002.
• Kubota, Gary T. Popular charter school on Maui suffering from huge budget cuts -- With 40 percent less in state money, Kihei High School may not be able to expand Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 17, 2002.
• Star-Bulletin staff. Kakaako charter school sues over state's funding allocation January 24, 2002.
• Kua, Crystal. Budget for charter schools at $8.4 million Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 5, 2002.
• Asato, Lisa. Hawaii’s charter schools at ‘most critical juncture’ -- A principal says a bill in the Senate is essential to survival Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 15, 2002.
• Asato, Lisa. DOE benefits within grasp of charter schools -- An agreement would allow teachers to gain seniority in the systemHonolulu Star-Bulletin, March 1, 2002.
• Charter school teachers need parity The issue: An agreement will give charter school teachers equity in benefits.Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 3, 2002.
• Omandam, Pat. Kamehameha charter school partnership a step away from state approval -- The state House sends the bill to the governor for signature Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 19, 2002.
• Asato, Lisa. Schools chief rips House bills increasing funds for charters -- Hamamoto says plans would aid charter schools at the expense of regular campuses Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 22, 2002.
• Star-Bulletin staff. Board OKs guideline allowing seniority at charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 22, 2002.
• Asato, Lisa. State increases funds allocated to charter schools -- Some school officials question if they will get the money in time Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 29, 2002.
• Asato, Lisa. Kamehameha trust supports charter schools -- The trust wants to partner with the state to reach Hawaiians Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 6, 2006.
• Thompson, Rod. Judge rules against Hilo school seeking to regain lost funding Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 29, 2002.
• Ito, Ken. Charter schools: Daring choice in dire times Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 15, 2002.
• Omandam, Pat. ‘New era’ for charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 15, 2002.
• Serafin, Peter. Hilo charter school cuts program -- A lack of state funds forces Connections to shut down classes for high school students Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 15, 2002.
• Borreca, Richard. School, fiscal reform top Lingle agenda -- The GOP front-runner for governor pledges charter school aid and stricter budget review Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 5, 2002.
• Asato, Lisa. Charter schools face probation if they continue in the red -- Of 22 charter schools in the state, 10 have projected deficits Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 5, 2002.
• Akana-Gooch, Keiko Kiele. Lessons in the Land -- Halau Lokahi students improve themselves in a group context Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 2, 2002.
• Star-Bulletin staff. Charter school renamed for trustee Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 26, 2002.
• Isle gets $4.4 million to help set up more charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 8, 2002.
• Suzuki, Genevieve A. Charter school gets help with paying off deficit -- The state BOE agrees to a 5-year repayment plan for Waters of Life Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 19, 2002.
• Essoyan, Susan. Students get wired education at state’s online public school -- The 112 students use computers and talk with teachers via e-mail or cell phone Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 2, 2002.
• Essoyan, Susan. Special ed allocation angers charter schools -- State officials say they are working to settle the funding concerns Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 3, 2002.
• Online education opens a world of possibilities THE ISSUE: A charter school delivers lessons to students across the state through computers at their homes. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 4, 2002.

2003

• State of the State An outline of the Governor’s agenda Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 21, 2003.
• Essoyan, Susan. Budget cuts spell crisis for public schools -- Educators say schools will keep running out of books and basics Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 12, 2003.
• Barayuga, Debra. Waianae charter school sues state -- The board of trustees alleges that the state Board of Education is meddling in its affairs Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 19, 2003.
• Star-Bulletin staff. Kamehameha Schools awards outreach grant Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 29, 2003.
• Essoyan, Susan. Lab School at UH faces uncertain future -- The curriculum testing ground is unlikely to close, officials say Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 17, 2003.
• Mueller, Michelle. Kamehameha Schools takes ‘corrective action’ -- Hawaiians can get scholarships to finish college if they teach at failing public schools
• Scholarship program a worthwhile endeavor THE ISSUE: Kamehameha Schools is offering financial aid to encourage more Hawaiians to take up teaching in public schools. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 4, 2003.
• Essoyan, Susan. Big Island school is charter trailblazer -- Waimea Middle is the first public school to pair with a nonprofit of Kamehameha Schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 21, 2003.
• Thompson, Rod. Charter school wins state suit -- A Hilo school that saw its funding plummet receives a welcome, undisclosed settlement Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 14, 2003.
• Essoyan, Susan. Isle ‘virtual school’ ripped off for real -- Thompson Academy has an estimated $20,000 worth of equipment stolen Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 5, 2003.
• Chun, Gary C.W. Learning by doing -- Halau Ku Mana public charter school disadvantaged youngsters will hold a 'fun-raiser' Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 9, 2003.
• Thompson, Rod. Deal allows charter school to stay -- Big Isle officials say Waters of Life must get a county use permit Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 23, 2003.
• Estomago, Donna. BOE’s inaction threatens charter school autonomy Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 11, 2003.
• Serafin, Peter. Senator asks education board to hire chief for charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 11, 2003.
• Adamski, Mary. State interviews for director of charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, December 30, 2003.

2004

• Nakama, Wes. E-school learning hoops the hard way Honolulu Advertiser, January 6, 2004.
• Daranciang, Nelson. Lingle tweaks school reforms -- The governor wants isle voters to decide whether to create four elected school boards Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 9, 2004.
• Essoyan, Susan. Deficit threatens charter schools -- The $2.5 million budget shortfall means some schools might close Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 20, 2004.
• Essoyan, Susan. Isle charter schools to receive full funding -- Legislators vote to add $2.5 million that had been missing in an earlier budget Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 23, 2004.
• Charter schools chief quits Honolulu Advertiser, June 22, 2004.
• Haug, Kawehi. Shallow Immersion: Hawaiian schools struggle as students and staff go to charter sites Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 1, 2004.
• Catalano, Hadley. It's All About Choice - Alternatives to Public School Education on Hawai'i Island Hawaii Island Journal, August 1-15, 2004.
• DePledge, Derrick. Charter schools compare well Honolulu Advertiser, September 3, 2004.
• Essoyan, Susan. Ex-legislator Shon takes charter challenge Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September, 5, 2004.
• Essoyan, Susan. Private School, Inc. -- A costly, risky enterprise gets off the ground todayas Kapolei’s first nonprofit academy opens Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 13, 2004.
• Essoyan, Susan. Charter school enrollment surges -- There are nearly 15% more students in the alternative schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 17, 2004.
• Charter, traditional schools have value THE ISSUE: A national report shows that charter school students are faring no better than their peers in traditional schools. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 12-18-04.

2005

• Audit of Na Wai Ola Waters of Life Charter School Hawaii State Office of Auditor.
• Audit of Wai`alae Elementary Public Charter School Hawaii State Office of Auditor.
• Thompson, Rod. Audit rates Puna charter school worst Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 20, 2005.
• Thompson, Rod. Big Island charter school wants help from state board Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 1, 2005.
• Tread carefully in overseeing charters THE ISSUE: Lawmakers have rejected Governor Lingle's plans for changes and expansion. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 5, 2005.
• Martin, Dan. Waters of Life gets vote from committee to keep going -- The charter school's future now goes to a full board vote Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 16, 2005.
• Charter schools need board’s oversight THE ISSUE: The Board of Education has decided against shutting down a Big Island school. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 18, 2005.
• Brown, Laura. Hawaii Withholding Funds from Charters -- Dept. of Education opens investigation Hawaii Reporter, April 1, 2005.
• Martin, Dan. Charter schools protest budget -- Lawmakers propose reducing funding for the struggling system Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 23, 2005.
• Martin, Dan. Charter schools getting shorted on funding, officials say Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 5, 2006.
• Martin, Dan. Test scores no better since Waialae became charter -- A second study of the school's status again criticizes governance Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 9, 2005.
• Mangieri, Gina. New guidelines for charter schools on table KHON2 News, August 22, 2005.
• Shapiro, Treena. Hawai'i's charter schools still keeping up Honolulu Advertiser, September 5, 2005.
• Martin, Dan. Charter enrollment increases 8.3 percent -- Public schools are still declining, and charter advocates are critical about lack of funding Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 16, 2005.
• Star-Bulletin staff. Hawaiian charter schools get $2.2M Honolulu Star-Bulletin, October 11, 2005.

2006

• DePledge, Derrick. Panel opposes lifting cap on startup charter schools Honolulu Advertiser, December 22, 2005.
• Martin, Dan. Lingle asks $18 million for charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 1-24-06.
• TenBruggencate, Jan. DLNR: Add 7 charter schools, expand environmental studies Honolulu Advertiser, February 8, 2006.
• Moreno, Loreen. Charters await legislative help Honolulu Advertiser, February 26, 2006.
• Creamer, Beverly. Charter school loses classrooms Honolulu Advertiser, March 17, 2006.
• Apgar, Sally. Kamehameha trust gains $600M -- Its annual report cites the appeal of a city leasehold ordinance protecting its income Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 5, 2006.
• Opinion: Charter schools need a stronger structure Honolulu Advertiser, April 17, 2006.
• BOE move forces delay to ‘virtual learning’ for charter schools Honolulu Star-Bulletin, April 24, 2006.

ve up grades 9-12] Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 9, 2006.

• Martin, Dan. Charter schools likely to reject funding formula Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 19, 2006.
• Creamer, Beverly. BOE fires charter schools' Jim Shon fired Honolulu Advertiser, September 8, 2006.
• Creamer, Beverly. Charter schools criticize ouster Honolulu Advertiser, September 9, 2006.
• Hoover, Will. Former charter schools head still perplexed by his firing Honolulu Advertiser, September 10, 2006.
• Fujimori, Leila. Shon's dismissal causes BOE-charter schools 'rift' Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 12, 2006.
• Creamer, Beverly. Anger, mistrust simmering at charter schools Honolulu Advertiser, November 19, 2006.
• Opinion: Charters deserve praise, and funding Honolulu Advertiser, November 22, 2006.
• Hawaii's Board of Education and Attorney General: Partners in crime? Disappeared News, December 18, 2006.

2007

• Bernardo, Rosemarie. Kamehameha grants aid charters, housing -- Kamehameha Schools releases $9 million to help charter schools and the homeless Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 25, 2007.
• Da Silva, Alexandre. BOE audits charter schools' funding office Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 26, 2007.
• Da Silva, Alexandre. Kamaile seeks charter conversion -- School officials hope the change will help deal with rising enrollment Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 1, 2007.
• Da Silva, Alexandre. Legislature focuses on charter schools -- Board members are opposing legislation giving the institutions greater autonomy Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 15, 2007.
• Heftel, Cecil. Hawaii charter schools need more freedom from the BOE Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 18, 2007.
• Adamski, Mary. Spending by charter office is in question -- A Board of Education audit finds a need for disbursement policies Honolulu Star-Bulletin, February 27, 2007.
• Da Silva, Alexandre. Public charter school could share space -- Halau Ku Mana might use classrooms at a campus in Aina Haina Honolulu Star-Bulletin, March 3, 2007.
• Da Silva, Alexandre. Charter schools guideline supported -- A scoring system would be used to judge an applicant for a new campus Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 17, 2007.
• Da Silva, Alexandre. School board tussles with ethics -- Members have asked a state panel to rule on spending by the charter school office Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 21, 2007.
• Ethics review would help charter office THE ISSUE: The school board has asked for an ethics review of charter school spending. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 25, 2007.
• Yap, Brittany P. Charter school has new site Honolulu Star-Bulletin, June 9, 2007.
• Fujimori, Leila. New schools stretch budget -- Opening new charter schools would mean less money for all Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 2, 2007.