Speaker - Susie Osborne

Fellow Rotarian Susie Osborne spoke about Kua O Ka Lā New Century Public Charter School - its past, present, and future projects.  The campus was completely destroyed when a finger of lava broke away from the main lava flow of Kīlauea volcano in 2018.  Ms. Osborne recounted that Civil Defense only allowed her and her staff only two hours to get their stuff as it was almost dark the night before the campus was covered in eighty feet of lava.

The school for grades pre-K-6th in-person and 4th-8th online, which bases its core philosophies on native Hawaiian culture and values, strives to lead its students on Ke Ala Pono - the right path.  This is achieved through the provision of Hawaiian culturally-driven and place-based educational experiences through pilina ‘āina (relationship with land), pilina kānaka (relationship with each other) and pilina ‘uhane (relationship with spirit).

Through initiatives and efforts from Rotary Clubs throughout the island and state of Hawaii and the Hiroshima Rotary Club, the school was rebuilt in its current location at Nani Mau Gardens.  Looking toward the future, the goal is the acquisition of a five-acre parcel currently being leased so a permanent campus can be developed.  Through the support of Nani Mau's current shareholders, this may become a reality while the parcel is in the process of being rezoned and subdivided.  Fundraising efforts are currently in place while grant applications are also process toward this end.

For more information about Kua O Ka Lā New Century Public Charter School: https://www.kuaokala.org/index.html