To: Kathryn Matayoshi, Superintendent, Department of Education
From: Representative Barbara Marumoto, 19th House District – Kaimuki/Waialae/Kahala
RE: OPPOSITION TO THE CLOSING OF QUEEN LYDIA LILI’UOKALANI SCHOOL
Because I believe in the value of small schools and small classes, I would oppose the closing of any school in the 19th House District. However, in the case of Queen Lydia Lili’uokalani School, history and tradition argues even more strongly against closure. It would indeed be ironic to shut its doors on the 100th school year since the Queen dedicated its opening.
I am here to support the friends and families of Lili’uokalani who are protesting the recommendation of the Consolidation Report. I understand that the closing would save the State only $372,000 a year, and some parents even dispute that figure.
I ask the Board and the Department of Education to carefully consider whether the cost savings are significant enough to close a school. I ask you to weigh the effect on students who will bear the emotional burden of dislocation. If you insist on closure, consider giving the students sufficient time to adjust to the move. Perhaps five years would help, but I still believe that the cost savings are too meager to end this beloved institution in Kaimuki Town.
See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhw0NP1c1ME
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Here’s what the DoE isn’t cutting: Hawaii DoE: Cost of waste, fraud, and corruption between $191M and $431M per year
 
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