September 22, 2010
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
"Our family is fortunate to be able to contribute to the growth of the educational programs at Nānākuli and Wai'anae High Schools," said Chynna Stone, daughter of Ko Olina Resort & Marina master developer Jeff Stone. "Over the last decade, we have been involved with numerous projects to help enhance the well-being and lifestyle of the residents here. These efforts started with Searider Productions and now we're so pleased to contribute to Kamehameha Schools' Ka Pua initiative and the future learning community on Stone Family Lands in Mākaha."
Nānākuli High and Intermediate and Wai'anae High School were asked to join the New Technology Network approximately two years ago. Now that the initiative is underway, it will add a new student cohort with each incoming freshman class, and by 2013 it is envisioned that more than 1,000 Wai'anae Coast students will be networked in to virtually all of their school work through their own computers.
Ko Olina Resort & Marina master developer Jeffrey R. Stone and his daughter Chynna work with ninth grade students at New Technology Network classroom at Nānākuli High School. (Michael Young photo)
"It's always been an aspiration of ours to provide opportunities for children on the Leeward Coast to succeed," Stone said. "With the right resources, these children will be empowered to become active contributors and leaders in this community. The innovative learning programs being introduced are an amazing educational journey we believe in and we are honored to make this donation in memory of my brother, Conner Stone."
The Stone family has been part of O'ahu's Leeward Coast for more than two decades. Stone acquired the stalled Ko Olina project, dormant for over 10 years, and imbued it with innovation, energy, and vitality. His vision of creating O'ahu's first active family resort destination undoubtedly contributed to the success of businesses in the neighboring Kapolei region as well as throughout the state. Stone's infusion of attention and vigor into the area has strengthened community and visitor interest in the destination and reinvigorated the West O'ahu economy.
The New Tech initiative will become a catalyst of the area's DOE Education Innovation Zone, which provides a structure for attracting and collaborating with other community resources – public and private – to support and strengthen the Leeward Coast learning environment. The Education Innovation Zone is also a key component of Kamehameha Schools' Ka Pua Initiative, which stretches from Kapolei to Ka'ena Point. It is a multi-community collaboration of education and keiki support organizations that focuses efforts and resources toward systemic education reform on the Leeward Coast. The hope is to create strategic alliances and collaborations around a shared vision for positive change that will support long-term, intergenerational improvements in well-being and prosperity on the Wai'anae Coast.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
