March 14, 2025

HONOLULU- The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission voted unanimously at its General Business Meeting on March 13, 2025, to not renew the charter contract for Kamalani Academy.

This final action reflects a comprehensive review of Kamalani Academy’s renewal application, and two-year conditional contract performance at its January 23, 2025 General Business Meeting. The commission determined that Kamalani Academy failed to comply with Hawaiʻi Revised Statute §302D-18(g) in three critical areas:

  1. Material and Substantial Violations of Charter Contract Terms
  2. Failure to Meet or Make Sufficient Progress Toward Performance Expectations
  3. Failure to Meet Generally Accepted Standards of Fiscal Management

HRS §302D-18(g) stipulates that “a charter contract may be revoked at any time or not renewed if the authorizer determines that the charter school did any of the following or otherwise failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter.” Kamalani Academy failed to meet three of four requirements outlined in the charter contract.

Kamalani Academy was afforded several opportunities to appeal the decision through the renewal process. However, both school leadership and the Governing Board did not request a hearing, citing the school’s financial challenges. Therefore, the commission’s March 13, 2025 action finalized the non-renewal decision made on January 23, 2025.

Kamalani Academy’s charter contract will officially end on June 30, 2025, allowing students to complete the current school year. The Commission will work closely with the Governing Board, school leadership and staff during this transition period to assist any families in preparation for the 2025-2026 school year.