Senators spotlight Storefront alternative learning program and honor educators, students during Education Week

The Senate paused routine business to recognize the Storefront alternative learning program and to conclude its weeklong Senate Education Week observance, with senators honoring students, teachers and program staff and hearing a personal account from a Storefront alumnus.

Senator De La Cruz introduced guest speaker Colette Miamoro Kajibara and alumni including Nelson Sua, and said the Storefront program — an alternative learning program for at-risk students — now has Alternative Learning Centers funded “in the base,” meaning each complex can host dedicated facilities and staff. She told fellow senators the change followed years of prioritization by the Senate to secure steady funding for ALCs statewide.

Senator DeCourt, speaking by personal privilege, identified herself as a Storefront alumnus (class of ’97) and described how program staff refused to give up on her as a teenager. “I don’t care what you do after you graduate, but you are going to walk,” she said, recalling a Storefront staffer’s insistence that she finish her diploma. DeCourt credited that persistence with helping her complete school and eventually serve in public office.

The gallery also included Department of Education Superintendent Keith Ayashi and staff — Sean Bacon, Assistant Superintendent for Talent Management, and Stacy Kunihisa, executive director of the Leadership Institute — whom a senator asked the clerk to list in the Senate Journal. Senators said the presence of DOE leadership underscored partnership between the Legislature and educators during the Education Week events.

Beyond the Storefront recognition, the Senate honored winners of the LifeSmarts Consumer Education Competition and several teacher awardees. Senator Ihara announced Ilani School as the statewide LifeSmarts champion and introduced team captain James Chen, who was present on the floor. Other recognized teams included Kalani High School (second place) and two Waipahu High School teams (third and fourth). Senators also recognized district and statewide teacher award recipients, including the Kailua Complex Area Teacher of the Year and the Milken Teacher of Promise.

Senators framed the day as both celebration and a demonstration of the long-term, generational effects of targeted educational interventions. Members noted media interest in alumni stories and urged continued investment and collaboration to expand supports for students across Hawaii’s school complexes.

The Senate then moved on to routine business and announcements before adjourning later in the morning.