News Release from Law Office of Lance Collins, Sept 24, 2020

Kahuku, Oahu -- The Board of Education has agreed to settle Kahuku parent Sunny Unga's lawsuit by re-hearing her petition for rule making.

In January, Ms. Unga filed a petition with the Board of Education asking them to add a rule that requires schools and libraries to hold community meetings before providing official comments on proposed developments.

Ms. Unga's concern stemmed from the Department of Education's official comment of no concern regarding the Kahuku windmills that now tower directly over Kahuku Elementary School.

The proposed rule would require the Department to hold a community meeting and solicit family and community feedback before providing official comment on proposed developments.

In early February, the Board held a secret, closed meeting where they denied Ms. Unga's petition.

The Board of Education has now agreed to rescind the secret, closed vote and to hold a new open meeting and allow public testimony before considering the petition.

"We look forward to having the Board seriously consider requiring earnest  and meaningful community engagement when developments are proposed close to schools." said Plaintiff and Kahuku mother Sunny Unga.

The Board has not yet set the date to consider the petition. 

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