In Hawaiʻi, vaping among youth is a significant concern, with high rates of e-cigarette use among high school and middle school students. While state law prohibits the sale and possession of e-cigarettes to those under 21, youth vaping remains prevalent.

Student focus groups conducted last year identified vaping as a concern when addressing their safety. At Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha ma Hawaiʻi, we are committed to using our resources to take additional steps above and beyond in our commitment to student wellness, and will be rolling out new HALO Smart Sensors in our bathrooms as an additional deterrent to curb this behavior. 

Possession and use of illicit drugs, drug paraphernalia, nicotine or tobacco product, electronic smoking device and/or tobacco product paraphernalia on campus or at school activities is a violation of the KS Code of Conduct. As a kula, we believe that self-discipline is the mark of maturity and positive character development. Therefore, it is important that all students behave in accordance with the core ethical values that guide the Kamehameha community. 

The HALO Smart Sensors function similar to a smoke detector, with significant enhancements to monitoring air quality, vaping detection, and safety. These devices will add an extra layer of security in areas where direct monitoring is limited and help identify trends that can guide proactive action.

There is no camera or audio recording to protect privacy. But it will generate an alert to support intervention and our commitment to student wellness. Alerts can be synced with monitoring cameras located outside in hallways which may be used in identifying students who may need to participate in follow-ups to incidents if they occur. Devices will be installed in select high school bathrooms to start the school year, and be rolled out to middle school later in the year.

KS’ hope is that students continue to learn what is, and what is not, acceptable behavior, take personal responsibility for their actions, respect the rights and safety of others, and work towards fulfilling Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s vision of being good and industrious men and women. 

If any student is struggling with addiction to illicit substances, counseling services are available to assist in helping overcome these challenges, and students are encouraged to come forward to ask for help from their counselors or a behavioral health specialist.

Please let us know if there are questions about the devices or our commitment to well-being. 

Mālama pono! 

To begin the school year, devices have been installed in key high school bathrooms, with plans to expand to middle school later this year.

TAGS
ks hawaii, safety, culture of safety, campus safety, vaping

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Kaipuolono Article, Hawaii Newsroom, KS Hawaii Home, Hawaii Middle School, Hawaii High School, Hawaii campus

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