This morning the Commission approved the latest financial viability plan submitted by Hālau Lōkahi to address the school’s outstanding financial obligations and complete the 2014-15 academic year. With the approval of this plan, the Commission is releasing state funding for the school, and the school is able to proceed with starting its school year on August 14, 2014. The Commission’s news release on its decision can be found here.

The school also will have ongoing monthly financial monitoring. This is something the Commission has done with other schools in situations warranting closer financial oversight.

The school has indicated that as soon as it receives the state funds it intends as soon as it can to pay the employee salaries that are past due, make its current monthly rent payment, and pay off its electric bill to Hawaiian Electric Co. The school has worked out a very favorable arrangement with the landlord to pay its back rent over the next few years, with no interest payments.

Finally, after further consultation with the school community, the Commission appointed Kari Kalima to the school’s new governing board.

The Commission wishes the governing board, staff, students, and families of Hālau Lōkahi the best of luck in making a genuinely fresh start and preparing for a successful school year.