Bill Arakaki Retirement 2020

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C E L E B R AT I N G K A U A ‘ I C O M P L E X A R E A S U P E R I N T E N D E N T B I L L A R A K A K I

INSIDE: • Memories working with and learning from Arakaki • Newly Established Kaua‘i Education Pilot

JUNE 28, 2020

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A fond aloha career in education.

Principal Tony Sine of Hanalei School said Arakaki was his supervisor for two years — he left a strong first impression. t the end of June, the (DOE) De“Mr. Arakaki is very confident (but) also partment of Education, along with Kaua‘i principals and students will puts people first and remains student and community centered,” said Sine, voicing say farewell to their (CAS) Complex Area well wishes and remembering Arakaki’s Superintendent William (Bill) Arakaki of strong storytelling skills and knack for reKaua‘i’s district, a man who served the calling dates and details. “Thank you for Kaua‘i education system in many capaciall your support and guidance working ties over 13 years — 40 years total with with individuals and the HIDOE system.” the DOE — and impacted countless lives Principal Corey Nakamura of Wilcox Elin the process.

With his involvement in the new Kaua‘i ementary School said he got to know education pilot — meant to combine new Arakaki through his capacity as an educatechnologies and online learning with tra- tor in the Kaua‘i District and working with him since 1997. ditional classroom learning — Arakaki is “Mr. Arakaki is a strong community still at work to further learning opportunities on the island. As he’s been preparing leader. He has strong ties to many comto switch gears away from his superinten- munity organizations that support childent role, several Kaua‘i community mem- dren, families and schools,” said Nakamura, recalling Arakaki’s talent for bers voiced memories about Arakaki’s

Stephanie Shinno THE GARDEN ISLAND

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bringing humor to the table, even in tough conversations. “He attends a lot of community events and is always advocating for students and families. I admire Mr. Arakaki’s approach to resolving issues within our department. His approach often results in a “win, win” for both parties.

He has a calm, non-demanding way of speaking and actively listens to all sides.”

Nakamura continued: “Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement. You will be truly missed. Many thanks for your contributions to public education and for being the pillar of educational leadership for many years. Take care and best wishes.”

Megan Nii, academic coach and director of the Wilcox Elementary Creative Arts Program, has worked with Arakaki for 13 years because he was their school’s Superintendent and Arakaki’s daughter

Kailee Arakaki was Nii’s former student.

Nii said her first impression of Arakaki was of a very down to earth man who cared about his teachers.

“He would visit our school often and each time he would share stories and updates with our staff about his kids and his grandkids. As a teacher I always felt supported by Mr. Arakaki.,” said Nii. “He always made time to attend our Creative Arts Spring Finales even long after his daughter left our program.”

Nii said Arakaki would always send a congratulatory email after their performance to commend them and her students and that meant a lot to her and her students.

SEE ALOHA, PAGE 4

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Aloha Continued from Page 2 “By the end of each finale my co-teachers and I are exhausted and burnt out, and to be appreciated and recognized for our hard work, from our ‘big boss’ was so encouraging and uplifting,” said Nii. Nii sends a heartfelt message to Arakaki: “Congratulations Mr. Arakaki.

Thank you for your many years of educating, uplifting, and serving the keiki of Kaua‘i.

Enjoy retirement. We will miss you.”

Since 1997, Paul Zina, Arakaki’s successor has worked with Arakaki his entire HIDOE career and it started when Arakaki was the principal at Waimea High School where Zina was teaching, “and he has been my CAS, and a VP, and principal at various schools on Kaua‘i.”

As Zina thought back over his years working side-by-side with Arakaki, what came to mind was Arakaki’s leadership skills and the impact he had on Zina’s

core philosophy as school leader. He thought back to the start of Ho‘okele Elementary School, and the first day those doors opened.

“I remember how Bill’s approach came from such a professional perspective grounded in his personal belief in the three sources of knowledge that became

BACK TO

SCHOOL

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the pillars of our work for that project,” said Zina. “Ike pilina (sense of relationships), ike honua (sense of place), and ike piko’u (responsibility for personal growth).”

Zina said Arakaki told a story that day — a story about his family and parents that was so deeply personal it led to tears, not just for Arakaki but for many of the educators present.

“Even recalling that moment I fight some tears running returning. The moments that affect us like that are rare,” said Zina. “That moment taught me so much about Bill that the years after have confirmed more so.”

Zina said it’s evident Arakaki loves his work and the island of Kaua‘i.

“I want to thank Bill for showing me that leadership at his level is deeply connected to who you are, where you come from, and those you surround yourself with to build a strong community that you are a small part of,” said Zina. “Bill was never a small part of Kaua‘i.”

Zina said Arakaki’s journey clearly makes him a huge part of Kaua‘i.

Sunday, June 28, 2020 • 3

“Some might say that one has learned when they can connect the past, present, and future with the thread of human relationships to build a strong quilt work of community,” said Zina.

Zina said, “Bill is my example to follow as one of those threads in our community.

That is his legacy for me. Mahalo Bill.”

Arakaki received his bachelor’s degree in Education and an Education Certificate from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Before taking up the role as Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, Arakaki served as principal at Waimea High from 19992007. He’s been vice principal at four schools on Kaua‘i — Kapa‘a Middle from 1996-1999, Kapa‘a High from 1993-96, Wilcox Elementary from 1992-93), and Kaua‘i High from1990-92, as well as serving as acting vice principal in the role.

He was also a teacher in Kaua‘i High School’s alternative learning center from 1988-1990.

From TGI, and the entire Kaua‘i community, “Mahalo Bill Arakaki for your 41 years of service and commitment to Kaua‘i’s students, parents, and educators.”

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Message from the Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami

t is my pleasure to honor Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent William N. Arakaki on an outstanding career with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education.

After ending his tenure with Waipahu High School in 1988, Mr. Arakaki relocated to Kaua‘i High School to continue his work with the “at-risk” population and enjoyed teaching real-life skills to students who were challenged by academic, social, emotional, and physical needs.

Upon obtaining his 1993 certification in school administration, he served as vice-principal at several of the elementary, middle, and high schools on Kaua‘i.

His impeccable service from 1998 as the Waimea High School

principal led to his appointment as the Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent in July of 2007.

On a more personal note, Mr. Arakaki was my varsity football coach and made a lasting impact on my life. He is the same soft-spoken man who has a passion to steer our keiki in the right direction and encourages them to reach their full potential.

Mr. Arakaki’s love for our community is exemplified by the numerous awards and accomplishments he’s earned over the years, which include the 2017 SPIN Professional of the Year, 2011 Outstanding Ally – LGBT Community, and the 2005 Kaua‘i District Secondary Education Excellence Award.

In the event of a natural disaster, Mr. Arakaki coordinated with

first responders and the team at the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency to ensure the safety of his students and colleagues. During numerous flooding events, he worked in partnership with emergency staff and volunteers to secure DOE facilities as shelters for those in need and was the voice of information for the DOE on Kaua‘i.

I would like to offer my Warmest Aloha to Mr. Arakaki, his wife Blanche, his children, and his entire ‘ohana. Mahalo nui loa for your service to our community, and I wish you the very best in your retirement and future.

With Warmest Aloha

Derek S. K. Kawakami Mayor, County of Kaua‘i

Mahalo for your Continued Support to Education!

Enjoy your Retirement!

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Sunday, June 28, 2020 • 5

Message from Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi

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appy Retirement to Bill Arakaki, The Senate of the State of Hawai‘i believes that the richness and vitality of our State is due in large part to the efforts of civic minded individuals who give so much of their time, energy, and talents to meet the needs of our community. For these reasons, the Hawai‘i State Senate takes no greater pride in recognizing Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, Bill Arakaki, for his tireless commitment to the children of the Island of Kaua‘i.

He has given a lifetime of service and in doing so, has impacted the lives of countless individuals. With deep roots in the community, he gives actively of himself, taking on multiple roles as a mentor, leader and volunteer. Bill’s vision was to incorporate the thoughts, opinions and values of

our island educators, parents, business leaders, and community members to create “their plan,” for over 40 years keeping in mind that he was doing this for all the keiki and students.

As Bill Arakaki begins his new journey in retirement and although he will no longer be the Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendent, through his life-long commitment to education of our youth, he has left a legacy of integrity, responsibility and trust that will serve as a shining example for future holder of the position.

The Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawai‘i, Regular Session

of 2020, hereby recognizes, commends and gratefully extends its thanks to Bill Arakaki for his dedication and commitment to educating our youth, inspiring our educators and we express its warmest aloha and best wishes for his continued success in all future endeavors.

Sincerely

Senator Ronald D. Kouchi, President of the Senate Hawaii State Senate President 8th Senatorial District – Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau

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Shaping the future long-standing supporters of education on Kaua‘i.

“With little or no guidance on LIHU‘E — Bill Arakaki is among transitioning to 100% distance the educators reimagining tradilearning, Bill, Paul, school princitional educational models in repals, and teachers did the hard sponse to the COVID-19 pandemic, and has developed the work necessary to first understand the needs of students and Kaua‘i Education Technology Piteachers and then developed a lot Project, alongside incoming framework to execute the proComplex Area Superintendent Paul Zina, with input from Garden gram,” said Senate President Kouchi. “With their innovative Isle principals and teachers. leadership and decisive actions, Several legislators and organiKaua‘i students should be able to zations also provided guidance achieve a meaningful and enrichand collaboration including Sening learning experience.” ate President Ronald D. Kouchi, The community-based initiaRepresentative Nadine Nakamura, Representative Dee Mori- tive will be implemented in three phases: kawa, Representative Jimmy w Phase One will begin in AuTokioka, Harold K.L. Castle Foungust 2020 and will provide interdation, Kamehameha Schools net access, Wi-Fi hotspots, and Bishop Estate, and other THE GARDEN ISLAND

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Arakaki integral in the Kaua‘i Education Technology Pilot Project

ensure that all Kaua‘i Complex Area students have a working device. w Phase Two will overlap with Phase One, provide devices for teachers, and support teacher training which will begin in July.

This phase is designed to prepare teachers for a new blended in school and distance learning platform by the first day of school this fall. This phase will also provide a help desk to support parents. w Phase Three will implement evaluation tools and internal and external support staff beginning in the fall of 2021. This phase will be funded by the Kaua‘i Complex Area budget.

STEPHANIE SHINNO / THE GARDEN ISLAND

Teacher Johnson Koo receives accolades for a job well done.

From left are state Department of Education Kauai Area Superintendent Bill Arakaki, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami’s representative Kaleo Carvalho, Gov. David Ige’s Kauai Liaison Carrice Caspillo, Koo, chairperson Felicia Villalobo, in the KaSEE FUTURE, PAGE 7 pa‘a Elementary School library.

Congratulations and Best Wishes on Your Retirement!

4359 Kukui Grove St. #103 Lihue, HI 96766 Phone: (808)245-4049 www.kauaiboard.com

Culture - Water - Energy - Food - Species - Historic Sites - Health - Communities

Congratulations...

on your retirement, Mr. Arakaki!

Mahalo for your tireless service to our community!

Congratulations Bill Arakaki.

Thank you for many years of service and dedication to the education of Kaua‘i’s youth.

Paid for by Friends of Nadine 4849 I‘iwi Rd., Kapa‘a, HI 96746

www.NadineNakamura.com

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Future

the hardware and technology to make it possible. To do this, Continued from Page 6 Kaua‘i needed $400,500 to provide 750 students with cellular “This initiative could not have wireless Wi-Fi devices and access with the cost per student of $534 come together so quickly withfor the Wi-Fi device and internet out the support of our community supporters and educational access for 12 months. Training for Kaua‘i’s teachers and new leaders,” said incoming Kaua‘i equipment for distance learning CAS Paul Zina. “When we identipractices will cost $190,500. fied the problem, and the cost, As of June 21, seven funding we knew that lack of funding might be a barrier. The issue was partners had committed and provided resources to make the not as pronounced last year Kaua‘i Education Technology Piwhen this year’s budgets were lot Project a reality: drawn up. We appreciate and Atherton Family Foundation thank the funding partners who $50,000 Bank of Hawaii Foundacame together in record time to move this project forward.” tion- $100,000 Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i’s leadership determined Kaua‘i Community Fund that this initiative would have a $150,000 First Hawaiian Bank long-lasting impact if it proac$25,000 Hawai‘i Community tively transformed teacher prac- Foundation - $100,000 Honua Ola BioEnergy - $25,000 Senator Ron tices to embrace distance learning in addition to providing Kouchi and Joy Tanimoto Kouchi

- $15,000 “Teachers have gone above and beyond to support their students throughout the pandemic,” said Dr. Priscilla Chan, CoFounder, and Co-CEO of Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. “We’re grateful for their dedication and are proud to support the Kaua‘ i Education Technology Pilot Project to help educators prepare for the upcoming school year and to ensure that students feel connected to their classrooms and engaged in their learning.”

The Hawai‘i Department of Education has also provided in-kind and staff support in the amount of $640,000 made possible by $16 million in federal funding that originated in the $13.2 billion federal coronavirus relief package and was intended to offset the coronavirus pandemic’s disruption to the school year.

Mahalo Mr. Arakaki For educating and inspiring our keiki, in the classroom and beyond

Sunday, June 28, 2020 • 7

DENNIS FUJIMOTO/THE GARDEN ISLAND

William ‘Bill’ Arakaki, the Kauai Area Complex Superintendent, distributes gift cards from Walmart and Kmart to the principals of Kauai’s public schools.

Best Wishes Retirement in your

Thank You

for your years of service to Kauai.

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Best wishes to you on your

RETIREMENT Bill Arakaki

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 GRADUATES!

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Congratulations and Best Wishes Bill Arakaki.

Mahalo for your dedication and years of service, supporting our island schools and children of Kaua‘i.

We wish you all the best, enjoy your Retirement!

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