House Bill 2972: Proposed Consolidation of Big Island Schools

by Judi
(Hamakua)

Dear friends,

As you may know, House Bill 2972 creates a Facilities Alignment Commission that will consider closing and/or consolidating several schools on the Big Island and Oahu.

This bill is not only illegal, since it ignores the fact that the Department of Education already is mandated by law to perform this function, but it unfairly targets small rural schools on the Hamakua Coast.

Laupahoehoe School, one of only a handful of K-12 schools remaining in the state, was mentioned by name in this bill, so I take this very personally.

Governor Lingle has the opportunity to review and veto this bill; her office is seeking input from concerned citizens.

The Honorable Linda Lingle
Governor, State of Hawai`i
Executive Chambers
State Capitol
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813

Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006
e-mail: governor.lingle@hawaii.gov


A half page ad will appear this Sunday in the West Hawaii and Hawaii Tribune Herald newspaper. The ad is being sponsored by the Honokaa Elementary Association, which is against HB 2972.

The ad will allow people to cut out a portion and mail it to Governor Lingle, encouraging her to veto the bill. County Council Member Dominic Yagong recommends that we garner support from the entire Big Island, not just the Hamakua Coast. Please spread the word and encourage everyone to mail in the cut out from Sunday's paper.

Mahalo nui loa,
Judi Steinman