As we approach the final month of the school year, we mahalo our haumāna for the important role they play in keeping our kula safe and to our kumu and ʻohana for their continued trust and partnership in caring for and educating our haumāna. At Kamehameha Hawaiʻi, the safety and well-being of our keiki and our kauhale is our highest kuleana—and something we work on daily, with great intention.

Safety is not a single action, but a layered and dynamic commitment that includes clear expectations, trusted relationships with adults, proactive planning, and responsive care. Our goal is not only that our students are safe—but that they genuinely feel safe and supported at school.

Hear from our students about what makes them feel safe at school:

Some of the layers in place to protect and nurture our haumāna include:

Clearly Articulated Policies & Expectations
Our K-12 Student & Parent Handbook outlines behavioral expectations, infractions, and consequences. These are revisited and shared annually to support a safe, respectful environment for all.

Behavioral & Mental Health Supports
A team of five full-time Behavioral Health Specialists partners with our counselors, administration, and kumu to provide proactive, tiered supports to meet student needs with care and compassion.

Physical Health Supports
Two on-campus health rooms and full-time nurses are available to students daily. For our athletes, certified trainers and protocols ensure safety on and off the field. For water-based activities, certified lifeguards are present at all times.

Secure Access & Visitor Protocols
Entry to campus is monitored by our security team. All visitors and vendors must sign in with photo ID and wear a visitor badge. All staff wear official identification during school hours.

Background Checks & Clearances
All KS faculty and staff participate in a continuous, rigorous background check procedure that provides timely updates to any criminal conduct. All vendors and volunteers who spend time near keiki are also subject to a thorough screening process.  

Emergency Preparedness & Training
Staff across our campus are trained in CPR, AED, and emergency response procedures. Tabletop drills and scenario planning ensure we’re prepared for a wide range of situations.

While our policies and structures form a strong foundation, we know that true safety is felt—by our students, staff, and ʻohana alike. That’s why, twice a year, we ask for your honest feedback in our campus-wide Pulse Survey. 

• 85% of students said they feel safe at school
• 92% of ʻohana agreed their child is safe
• 96% of students and 99% of ʻohana said they feel a sense of belonging

Results from our earlier Pulse Survey, combined with direct input from haumāna in division focus groups, led to the identification of additional safety layers and actions—each one shaped by the voices and manaʻo of our students.

While we celebrate our progress, we know we can always do more. We deeply value the feedback you share—especially from those who tell us where and why they may not feel fully safe—so that we can respond and improve.

If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s safety, please reach out directly to our division leaders:

• Kula Haʻahaʻa – Dr. Kaʻulu Gapero | (808) 982-0207
• Kula Waena – Dr. Tehani Corcoran | (808) 982-0407
• Kula Kiʻekiʻe – Dr. Lehua Veincent | (808) 982-0607
• Security Manager – John Broward | (808) 982-0671

Mahalo for walking with us in this shared kuleana. Together, we create a kauhale where haumāna feel protected, uplifted, and inspired to lead with confidence, courage, and aloha.

Mahalo to all of our students who shared their voice about what makes them feel safe at school.

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ks hawaii,hawaii campus,safety,culture of safety,campus safety

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

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