Hawaiian Immersion Program Ends at Kapolei | Honolulu News

Kapolei Middle School’s beloved Kaiapuni Hawaiian immersion program for seventh and eighth graders is shutting down due to a critical teacher shortage — no qualified Hawaiian-speaking educators could be found before the school year began. Once booming with 27 students — up 285% in three years — the program now leaves families heartbroken, especially those who’ve invested years in its growth. With 14 open teaching positions statewide, the Department of Education offers alternatives: regular classes, distance learning, or relocating to Pālolo or Nānākuli — a long commute for some. For families reconnecting with a once-banned language, this loss stings deeply. Community groups are mobilizing, and the DOE is urging qualified candidates to apply — before it’s too late. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/d0881aef1061b41e