HB2937

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Keaau middle college high school was established in 2005 by a memorandum of understanding between the University of Hawaii and the department of education. The ensuing partnership between Hawaii community college and Keaau high school was the first in the state and replicated other successful relationships across the nation.

The alternative high school was also developed with the help of Bay Clinic, Inc., which received a federal grant to renovate a 2,800-square foot space in Keaau Town Center to create the Keaau Youth Business Center, an innovative technology center which today houses a state-of-the-art multimedia lab, sound recording studio, and certified mobile kitchen trailer.

The mission of Keaau middle college high school is to bring high school seniors, who have ability but are at risk of failing in the traditional high school environment, into an alternative education environment from which they can graduate and earn both high school and college credit. Students learn through a hands-on, skills-based interdisciplinary curriculum that stresses project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurial training, and capstone assessment activities every semester.

Many of its students had not looked at higher education as an option until they entered Keaau middle college high school. Thusfar, Keaau middle college high school has graduated 80 per cent of its participants, increasing Keaau high school's graduation rate by ten per cent and college-going rate by seven per cent.

By offering opportunities to youth who are typically overlooked and under-challenged in the public school system, Keaau middle college high school has increased the achievement motivation, skills, and productivity of youth in rural low-income communities, and increased the social capital and economic development capacity of these communities.

However, the federal funds used to establish Keaau middle college high school are due to lapse in May 2008. Keaau middle college high school is already trying to secure funding through county funds and grants to continue its important mission.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the continued operations of Keaau middle college high school.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 to support the operations of Keaau middle college high school as follows:

(1) $50,000 to establish two part-time skills trainer positions to teach culinary arts and digital media arts;

(2) $30,000 for rent and utilities costs; and

(3) $20,000 for supplies and equipment.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2937
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII