Senate recognizes educators, students and community partners during Education Week

Senators devoted a substantial portion of the floor to Education Week recognitions, introducing visiting students from the University of Hawaii Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy and naming teachers and administrators honored with statewide awards.

"I am proud to be the cochair alongside my education vice chair, Senator Kidani, and this offers us a meaningful opportunity to recognize the extraordinary dedication of our students, teachers, administrators, and education professionals across our state," Senator Kim said as she opened the floor presentations for Education Week and asked the chamber to acknowledge the visitors in the gallery. (Senator Kim)

Senators took turns introducing honorees from their districts. Senator Dela Cruz recognized Palisades Elementary principal Gavin Sui as a 2025 National Association of Elementary School Principal Award recipient and praised the school's sustained achievement. Dela Cruz also introduced Taylee Miyamura as the 2025 Milken Teacher of Promise, noting Miyamura's role as a K–12 licensed school counselor at Mililani Middle School and a 2% regular-attendance increase linked to her multi-tiered attendance program. (Senator Dela Cruz)

Senator Ihara introduced Marlyn Hutton as a 2025 middle-level assistant principal of the year, highlighting long service as vice principal and initiatives to boost teacher collaboration and satisfaction. Senator Kanuha recognized Hidi Botello as a 2025 National Association of Elementary School Assistant Principal honoree and noted additional district recipients who could not attend. Senator DeCoite, Senator Hashimoto and Senator Elefante introduced further honorees, including teachers of the year and award recipients for music and library service. (Senators Ihara; Kanuha; DeCoite; Hashimoto; Elefante)

The chamber thanked community partners — including Friends of the Library volunteers who bring an annual book fair to the Capitol — and invited honorees and guests to meet members after the session for photographs. (Senator Kim)

Why it matters: The floor recognition highlights statewide education leadership and student-focused initiatives, showcases partnerships between schools and community organizations, and gives public recognition to award winners whose programs and classroom practices were singled out on the record.

The Senate then recessed briefly to allow members to meet honorees and their guests after the session.