House adopts resolution honoring distinguished principals, teacher of the year and youth delegates

The House of Representatives adopted House Resolution No. 201 during its floor session, recognizing education awardees across the state and U.S. Senate Youth Program delegates. Representative Woodson moved to adopt the resolution, and Representative LaChica seconded; members approved the measure by voice vote.

Speaker Nakamura, who took the floor in support, recalled a formative teacher and said, "She made learning fun for me," describing how a fifth-grade teacher's hands-on approach inspired a lifelong appreciation of learning. Several members placed the recognition in the context of Education Week and stressed the broader community value of strong schools.

Representative Matsumoto urged colleagues to "please join me in congratulating our 2025 national distinguished principal, mister Gavin Sui," describing his 30 years of leadership at Palisades Elementary School and noting program achievements in project-based learning. Representative Sayama highlighted Baba Yim's role in Hawaiian language immersion and the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. Representative Todd recognized Elise Hannigan as the 2026 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, outlining her work reestablishing Keaau High's summer bridge program and its role in improving ninth-grade retention.

The clerk's announcement described the resolution's scope as including the 2025 Hawaii National Distinguished Principal, the 2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Awardee, the 2026 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, and the 2026 United States Senate Youth Program delegates. After the voice vote carried, the House recessed to allow members to meet and congratulate the honorees on the floor and to proceed with certificate presentations. The House later returned, handled brief announcements, and adjourned until 12:00 noon the following day.