Thousands of Teachers and Parents Rally at State Capitol

News Release from HSTA, February 13, 2017

Honolulu, HI- Today at the Hawaii State Capitol, about 6,000 (Not!) public school teachers and advocates of Hawaii’s public education system rallied for a fair contract for teachers and to lobby for a constitutional amendment to properly fund public schools proposed by the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA).

“It’s our responsibility as a community to come together and fight for our keiki to make education a priority,” said HSTA President Corey Rosenlee. “Instead of just talking about the inadequacy of our school system, we have come up with attainable solutions. Our plan will give all children the quality education they deserve.”

“We need to start paying our teachers better. We need to make sure that every child, regardless of where they live, has a quality teacher in their classroom,” said Rosenlee during a rally at the Capitol Monday morning.

State Sen. Michelle Kidani, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, addressed the crowd and said, “We want our legislators to know that we mean business!”

“Thank you for fighting the good fight. It is about our children. Let us not forget that!” added Kidani, who introduced HSTA’s constitutional amendment proposals in the State Senate.

“We were encouraged to see so many teachers, parents, students and members of the community gather to raise awareness about our proposals that are designed to significantly improve Hawaii’s school system and create a better future for our keiki,” added Rosenlee.

By levying a surcharge on residential investment properties and visitor accommodations, the state would be able to raise about $500 million a year for education without placing an unfair financial burden on local residents. The proposals are SB683 and SB686 in the Senate and HB180 and HB182 in the House.

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About the Hawaii State Teachers Association: The Hawaii State Teachers Association is the exclusive representative of more than 13,500 public school teachers statewide. As the state affiliate of the 3.2-million-member National Education Association, HSTA represents and supports teachers in collective bargaining, as well as with legislative and professional development issues.

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SB683: Text, Status  “Feb 14--Reported from EDU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 179) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM/JDL.”

SB686: Text, Status 

HB180: Text, Status “Passed Second Reading--Bill scheduled to be heard by JUD on Tuesday, 02-14-17 2:00PM in House conference room 325.” 

HB182: Text, Status “Passed Second Reading--Bill scheduled to be heard by JUD on Tuesday, 02-14-17 2:00PM in House conference room 325.”