>> [applause] >> Good evening. My name is Bethany Grant and I teach in the math department here at CHS and my soaring eagle is Kaylin Tune. >> [applause] >> As an algebra teacher, I spend a lot of my day talking about variables, those un- unknown values we're trying to solve for. But every once in a while a student comes along who represents a constant. Someone whose character, reliability, and spirit never waver regardless of the equation they're dropped into. It is my honor to present Kaylin a soaring eagle award, a student who truly defines what it means to lead by example. Whether it's on the stage or in the classroom, Kaylin does doesn't just participate, she commits. I've watched her navigate a schedule that would make most adults break into a cold sweat. Yet she arrives to my class every day ready to work, showing us all that excellence isn't an accident, it's a habit.
Um so I'm assuming you're still good with that. But I really would like to see a commitment to funding for the 750 in fiscal year 2028. So one fiscal year beyond this. I think beyond that it we don't know what's going to happen and it's really hard to make you know forward- facing commitments that way. But that's what um that's what I'm hoping for tonight. And I'm trying to be a little bit clearer than than what um what I have been before in terms of of what we necessarily need. Um just really briefly just I'm going to spend most of the time tonight talking about the municipal department increases. Um but just kind of leading into that just some of the major appropriation categories for FY27. um general government um an increase of 755,000. Uh Ashlin public schools an increase of 2.75. Keith Tech really really um really uh really went up a lot this year.
We like I said, we've had some great trips in there. I have a few pictures if you want to browse through those. But um it is a learning experience that it's hard to explain what it does for these kids because like I said, one of the big things is they don't have the electronics and they also all of a sudden they have to sit around the camper and talk to each other >> and that is so foreign in this day and age that it's it's quite amazing to see what happens with them. >> Mr. B, this is listed as anformational item. So, um, Stephen, if you are going to have the kids feel you be over that trip, have to have board approval. >> It's in your packet tonight. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, this was justformational. So, the board had more information on on what the trip look like other than just the trip.
So uh typical process may take an applicant maybe uh one to one to six months to accomplish. Um we don't have any data on that. I'm just guessing on you know my experience. Um, >> how many people go through license cheer for? >> Oh, I wish I would have brought that information. >> Um, typically on an on an agenda we have uh >> anywhere from three to six um applicants. >> Applicants. Yeah. >> How many get rejected or will pass? >> Um, very little. Um we usually maybe have one to two every two years denials. >> So right now a school psychologist can go through DOE apply to become a school psychologist. If they meet all your requirements then they get hired. You don't have any license fees. You don't have any exams. You don't have any of that. But if the the and so any of your current would it be then you would not be able to hire people without license if the we have a lensure requirement they would have to be licensed before DOE can hire them.
On the other hand, while Kaylin is quiet in a class that is high energy, her smile tells me she doesn't take things too seriously. She reminds me that even when the math gets tough or the classroom gets loud, there is always room for a laugh. Congratulations, Kaylin. >> [applause] >> Good evening. My name is Nate Caren and I'm the social worker here at Columbia High School. I am pleased to tell you about my selection for soaring eagle, Adam Elder. It does not appear that Adam is here, but I'm happy to talk to you about him. Throughout the time that I have known Adam, he has consistently demonstrated the qualities that make a positive impact on both the classroom and our school community. Adam is a kind, thoughtful, and respectful student who approaches each day with quiet determination. He may not always be the loudest voice in the room, but his character is evident in the way he treats others and the steady effort he puts into his work.
Uh 33%. Um and that equates to $300,000. That was a hit. U non-excluded debt doesn't change much. Excluded debt doesn't change much. But then we get to the biggie, the things that are really just squeezing everything, which is the benefits um and insurance line. And I I don't have a graph here tonight, but our 2 and 12% increase is $1.4 million. Just the health insurance increase and the pension increase is $1.2 million out of that. Everything else that needs to be funded, contractual increases, raises in subscription prices for software, all of that has to be paid for within $200,000 that's left. It's impossible to do. That's why we're looking at an override. But like I said tonight, we haven't we've talked a lot about the 755, but we haven't really had much in the way of data and just how that breaks down for the most part is uh a $7,500 increase to the town accountants budget, which um after you look at the budget changes, it allows us to add a third finance position.
>> When do you expect it to be on what month? April. >> It's No, it's on this one. It's here tonight. >> Okay. I'm sorry. Two different places then. No, I got correct. >> Yes. At >> 90 miles from here to the trail head about a good two and a half hour drive at the end of the trip. Trinity tender is right at the lower part of right on I highway three there. And it's uh it's funny to see the kids come down and they're looking for a hamburger or they're looking for a milkshake or something they haven't had all week long. But it's a lot of fun. we get to learn about stewardship public land and and just put in some positive input on this. Anything else I can answer for you? Feel free to call me with questions or whatever because I'll be happy to fill you in.
>> I think on the um on the structures of the previous bills it would be that way that you would be licensed that would be the pri the first access point. >> Okay. So now there would be a delay in them getting getting psychologist because you have to wait for them to go through all of these hoops and then and then some. >> Yes. >> Should I just stay? >> Yeah. >> There's also not a clear pathway on how to get the license and who would issue the license. >> Okay. But we do have Shamanad now have a cohort and they will consistently offer the courses so that you have people that are coming up that can be placed, >> right? Yes. >> And they help you place they help place these. >> Yes. >> Is there a reason why uh doesn't have a pathway?
Adam approaches challenges with persistence and continues to push himself outside of his comfort zone in order to grow both academically and personally. Over time, I have seen Adam build confidence in his abilities and become more willing to advocate for himself and share his ideas. This growth reflects the hard work and dedication he brings to school each day. Adam's positive attitude, patience, and willingness to try, even when something is difficult, set a strong example for those around him. While Adam does not seek the spotlight, his actions speak loudly. He consistently treats others with kindness, shows genuine consideration for his peers, and contributes to a supportive and respectful learning environment. These qualities may seem quiet, but they make a meaningful difference in our school community. For these reasons, it truly is a pleasure to know Adam and my honor to nominate him as a 2026 soaring eagle.
This is not negotiable. To have two people on the expense side responsible for a hund00 million organization is just a recipe in disaster. I mean today I had our two accountants um Paul and Steph actually they had to go to mandatory training. So here I am to get their CPUs to maintain uh what they need to be certified. I'm in the middle of budget season. the two people and on the expense side are not here because they have to be getting their C um their CEUs. Not ideal. Um the police department, $100,000 to fund a patrol officer. Fire department, $300,000 to add one firefighter per a shift. Um and that's four shifts. $260,000 to establish a buildings and grounds department with an increase in utilities. um highway and street lights and fuel are mainly ancillary increases and then $60,000 in our parks and trees department because we need to fund a position that we lost with the enterprise fund.
We're a nationwide organization. We um last year here in the North State because we have different we're the Trinity Group. I'm I'm part of SHA Trinity Group here in the North State. We did over $550,000 volunteer work last year. And that's uh that's money that did not have to be spent by the government maintaining these trails and so on. The taxpayers don't have to cover the cost on that. We do have some grants that we work off with, but I tell people all the time what they do is make a little bit little less painful to be a volunteer. Been doing this for over 40 years now. I've been part of this organization for 40 years and we've had some incredible experiences and a lot of a lot of good fun memories. And to top it all off, knock on wood, we've never got anybody seriously hurt.
>> I can't speak for uh >> Okay. Well, that's the whole thing is to get DOE and uh to start talking to each other. So, can you guys reach out to >> We we we do speak with them. Yes. >> Well, could you then? >> Yes, we'll continue to. Sure. >> Okay. Thank you. Questions? Any more questions? Okay. Well, thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. We are on House Bill 1893. Uh HD2 clarifies that public charter school teachers are eligible for incentives under the teacher national board certification incentive program. Increases the bonuses per year for each public school teacher. And public charter school teacher maintains national board certification. Uh And our testifier is DOE. >> Good afternoon, Chair Kim, Vice Chair Kedani, members of the committee. Sean Bacon speaking on behalf of the department. We stand on our written testimony and support. And really, this bill helps to clarify that any public um school teacher, including public charter schools, are eligible for the national board incentive.
>> [applause] >> Good evening. I work in the language arts department here, and it is with genuine pleasure that I nominate this student for the soaring eagle award. This person is so interesting and busy. I especially look forward to our Monday conversations. Not only are they quite social, they also managed to hold down a job. They literally do not have time to sleep. This CHS junior has a great work ethic here at school. They consistently come prepared with all the necessary materials in hand, and importantly, their Chromebook fully charged and ready for use. They don't disturb other students, and they stay focused during the entire hour. This person is also ready to help peers with notes, to help clarify concepts, or to provide due dates for assignments. This individual is divine is defined by a sense of loyalty for others. They are the kind of friend who would be hard to replace.
Um I Jim and I have talked about the enterprise fund for the athletic fields and it really makes sense for the schools to have access to that fully but we have one position being paid through that and so we need to make up for that. And so I want to start with our fire department and um the four additional firefighters request. And um Lynn and Captain, I don't know if you want to join me. We have some members of the department here. Um I what the way we decided we would do this is I would just kind of narrate the slide and um our department heads and people representing the department are going to give you what this means. I mean, what the heck is this data mean in terms of context? And so, this first one is really our fiveyear uh call volume trends going into 2026 estimated.
That's always I mean it's always number one. Um yeah, I mean we I'll push those kids when we're doing this because it'll probably be warm and I'm always after hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And I'll pack electrolytes and and yeah, it'll all be it'll all be coming. >> Depending on my schedule, I would like to go if I can. We made it happen. >> Yeah, we may we may need to spend a little bit of time gathering up backpacks and stuff. I have some extra. We'll get we'll make it happen and I will make a list with everything they need, sleeping bag, whatever the case may be. Have a couple of goodiz tents where, you know, the boys can take one of them, the girls can take another one. It it is most of the time it's about a 50/50 ratio on girls. And it is quite fun to see the um the guys freaking out about one of the girls picking up a water type and chasing around camp.
Uh the department stands ready for any questions. Thank you. >> Okay, we have Ann Hoyuchi for the AG's office. >> Good afternoon, Chair Kim, Vice Chair Gidani, members and Horuchi from the A's office. Um the incentive program is set forth in HRS 302A-706. Um and the bill amends that statute to um expressly provide that charter school teachers are eligible for the incentive program. But as we noted in our testimony, the DOE is not the employer of charter school teachers. Um the charter school teachers are employed by their respective charter schools. And so in our testimony, we've provided some revisions that we think will um um be will um allow us to uh to um effectuate the bill's apparent intent um and avoid any kind of implementation ambiguity. Um I'll be available for questions. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. See, we have Mitsya I'm speaking on behalf of the board of Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.
On numerous occasions, I have observed them assisting and giving advice to people they care about. It is for all of these reasons that I'm pleased to announce Savannah Lane as my choice for the soaring eagle award. >> [applause] >> Good evening, everyone. My name is Kirk Myers, and I teach junior and senior English here at the high school. Tonight, I'd like to recognize a current student of mine for his raw talents, his humility, and his kindness. My choice for soaring eagle is Luke Crump. >> [applause] >> Uh the man to the left me here, without question, one of the first things you notice about Luke is his intellect. As a reader, he has a natural ability to pick up on the key ideas and details in a text and explain his view purposefully and clearly. Class activities are always better because of him, whether it's analyzing rhetorical devices from Declaration of Independence, I know you love doing that, or discussing a character from One of Us Is Lying.
>> Lynn, if you wouldn't mind uh Depp just kind of telling us what this means. Yeah, you can work that out. You don't want to use the handheld mic. I got to wipe it off. Okay, >> I'll leave it to you. Uh good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to uh review the slides with you folks.
Thank you. You're so welcome. Sounds really neat. >> 6.3 progress update on implementation of aptitude. >> All is good on my end, which is like CMS the pretty side of things as far as the website. It looks great. It's supposed to be going live. um right after spring break um tech is dealing with the more complicated things like developing an app and I think that's where the hang up is right now but it's it's not behind schedule it's just >> so in particular we we have to submit an application to Apple development and anybody who's ever been had a a process to go through that they know how difficult it is um but our application's been accepted um so we're just in the waiting time frame. Hopefully in the next week, two weeks, they will get back to us with our enrollment for Apple development.
Um we stand on our testimony and strong support because we do find that charter schools teachers especially we want to incentivize them to become national board certified teachers because we only have six currently at our charter schools and we have about 300 at our DOE schools. So we want to incentivize this. So clarifying the language would help. Um and then we just support all our national board certified teachers as we think it's a great incentive to make to help teachers stay retain them and keep them in the system. Thank you. >> Thank you. Aloha chair, vice chair, Sarah Millen on behalf of HSTA. Um to echo what they've shared, absolutely nationally board-certified teachers are the best of our profession. You know, we're talking if you want to go to a doctor, you want a board certified doctor in a lot of areas. And so we want to encourage and grow this program.