Age: 30
Job: State representative
Background: Public school teacher, state Department of Education; Liliha Neighborhood Board member
Do you support the constitutional amendment to allow public money to be spent on private preschool? Why?
To build a high-quality preschool program, I support the amendment. Hawaii would follow the same funding model used across the country with a mixed delivery system of public and independent preschools. I support the amendment because all children deserve a quality education in this country.
What is your one big idea?
This past year, I introduced a bill to reward our best teachers. The bill would award bonuses to National Board Certified teachers that teach in Hawaii’s neediest schools. Education is the life’s equalizer, and we need to compensate and retain master teachers that excel in their profession.
