Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Investing in education means investing in Hawaii's most precious resource: our next generation. Establishing solid learning environments for our keiki is the foundation upon which we can establish a more prosperous economic future. A commitment to building a well-educated work force for the 21st century begins with good schools for our keiki today, and is much more than a slogan or a sound bite -- it is my unwavering commitment to a bright and rewarding future for our children.

Our keiki have made us proud and we need to ensure they continue to have every opportunity to excel. Hawaii's public and private school students continue to compete with the best in the world -- through events such as international robotics competitions, aeronautical design challenges or winning the U.S. Little League World Series.

As a product of the public school system, I know that supporting childhood education is a commitment that starts at home and continues in the classroom. Growing up living with my immigrant grandmother, she instilled in me the values of studying hard, respecting my teachers and maintaining a fervent desire for more knowledge. Although she herself was not born in the United States, my grandmother understood that our nation's greatness derives from the opportunity afforded to everyone to succeed through a free, open and accessible public education system.

Having grown up with this appreciation and witnessing first-hand the benefits of an education system that taps the entire community to educate our keiki, My Administration implemented initiatives focused on improving Hawaii's public schools, from early childhood programs to our higher education university system.

In my eight years as Governor these crucial investments paid dividends, and others took notice. In fact, these and other improvements were the basis for Hawaii's competitive application in President Obama's Race to the Top Grant Program. Our State's participation in the program earned the State a $75 million federal education grant. Unfortunately, it is disheartening to see that all this hard work may be undone and the funds revoked because Hawaii's current leadership is not living up to the promises made in the Race to the Top application.

Now more than ever, our State cannot turn its back on our federal partners. Promises made need to be kept, and as your United States Senator I will use my experience as our State's chief executive to ensure that our State not only obtains future competitive educational grants but I will also take the necessary steps to expand federal support for innovative education models like charter schools and STEM-emphasis education, as well as supporting teacher professional development through merit pay and evaluation programs.

As U.S. Senator my commitment to public education will remain unwavering.

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