House adopts resolution honoring teachers and Blue Ribbon school, pauses to congratulate awardees

The House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 203 on the floor, honoring instructors and a school for state and national recognition. The resolution congratulated several 2026 Teachers of the Year from complex areas including Farrington, Kauai, and Pearl City–Waipahu, and recognized Manana Elementary as a 2025 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School.

Representative Poepoe moved the resolution and Representative Woodson seconded. Representative Takumi introduced the first honoree, Jessica Canyon, the 2026 Farrington Kaiser Kalanianaole Complex Area Teacher of the Year, and read tributes describing Canyon’s classroom and community work: organizing Secret Santas, class cooking incentives, a May Day court and leading teacher-appreciation efforts. "Jess is really Mrs. Aloha," Takumi said, noting her compassion and efforts to build community.

Representative Eglin introduced Natsumi Yamasato (Kauai Complex Area Teacher of the Year) and highlighted her STEM and hands-on instruction. Representative Chun introduced Jodie Kodama (Leeward District Teacher of the Year) and announced that Manana Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, citing performance exceeding statewide averages by 24 percentage points in English, 39 percentage points in math and 36 percentage points in science.

Representative Matayoshi recognized Teach for America Hawaii for 20 years of service and introduced Sierra Callahan to receive the certificate. The chair called a recess to allow members to meet the honorees and present certificates on the floor; the clerk recorded the motion as carried when members voted.

Next steps: the clerk ordered that the honorees’ names be inserted into the legislative journal and the chamber recessed to allow presentations and photographs.