Ka ʻUmeke News

WHERE DO ALL OUR KEIKI GO ?
KA ʻUMEKE KĀʻEOʻS ONGOING FACILITIES DILEMMA .



Facilities continue to be a critical need for Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo as our enrollment continues to grow.  This is a true sign of interest and commitment to our educational program.  However this growth continues to pose facility challenges.  After losing a classroom last year to Keaukaha Elementary School because of their increasing enrollment, our Poʻokumu has been meeting with Lehua Vincent Principal of Keauakaha Elementary School to discuss many shared issues including facilities.  This year because of Keaukaha Elementary Schoolʻs continuing enrollment growth an additional classroom will be returned to Keaukaha Elementary School use for the 2012-2013 school year.  Losing classrooms at the Keaukaha Elementary School site has meant our staff and kumu have had to develop creative solutions that are less than optimal but still allow us to continue to meet the educational needs of our haumana. 

For next year haumana in grades K-4 will remain at the Keaukaha Elementary School campus.  This decision was a collaborative decision after discussions led by the Poʻokumu with kumu.  Both kumu and the Poʻokumu agreed to house the entire grade 3 in TB-3 (currently Kumu Pikakeʻs classroom).  It is not the ideal situation however it allows our youngest learners to stay on one campus while continuing to save money to put towards our educational program and future long-term facilities.

Haumana in grades 5-11 will remain at our Pā Hoaka site. 

In order to provide better service to our ʻohana and haumana the Business Office will be moving from itʻs current 500 Kalanianaʻole office to the Pā Hoaka campus.  The Keaukaha Elementary School campus will continue to house a registrar and health aide however all financial activities including lunch payment will be located at Pā Hoaka. 

Regarding long term facility progress we are moving forward on two fronts.  The current preliminary license for DHHL lands next to Nene Street has many costly challenges so we are working with DHHL to secure land in Panaewa as well as working with Kamehameha Schools to secure land in Honohononui.  Both organizations are working diligently to meet our needs and we appreciate it.  Kamaʻaha Education Initiative the nonprofit organization that supports Ka ʻUmeke has also partnered with an architect (Advance Architects LLC) to provide pro bono design services. 

From KA LAMA NEWSLETTER APRIL 2012



What We Do

Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo is a K-10 Hawaiian language immersion and culture public charter school located in Keaukaha on the island of Hawaiʻi. 

Ka ʻUmeke continues to build our capacity to teach rigorous academic content through the Hawaiian language immersion and based in the Hawaiian culture. At the same time Ka ʻUmeke is also focusing on insuring student success, broadening accountability measures and furthering partnerships with innovative educational programs and methodologies. 

I Ulu i ke Kuamo‘o,
I Mana i ka ‘Ōiwi,
I Kā‘eo no ka Hanauna Hou!

Inspired by Our Past,
Empowered by Our Identity,
Prepared for Our Future!


Contact Us

Helu Wahi (Leka a me Kahua)
Physical and Mailing Address

222 Desha Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720

Keaukaha Elementary School Site for grades K - 4.

Helu Kelepona 808.933.3482
School Office Phone Number

Helu Kelepa'i 808.933.3488
School Office Fax Number

Pa Hoaka Learning Site for grades 5-10.

Helu Kelepona 808.933.0970
School Office Phone Number