ANAHOLA — Congresswoman Mazie Hirono could not find the school despite the directions provided.
Students from the Kanuikapono Public Charter School took advantage of the wait Thursday to unwind from their week of testing as they practiced their oli and dance while awaiting the U.S. Representative.
“The students have been so excited, they had to make lei,” said Ipo Torio, one of the school leaders. “But they had to use items that had no fragrance.”
Hirono’s visit was to announce the granting of $119,000 she secured to help fund the establishment of a campus learning resource center and the purchase of associated computer equipment in the Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Omnibus Bill.
“They told me about the application for the funds, and I put it high on the priority,” Hirono said.
During the special school assembly held in her honor, students from the different grade levels performed poetry and hula celebrating the announcement and expressing mahalo for her support.
“Apparently, the members of Congress think what you are doing is good and they agreed to support the creation of your media center,” Hirono said.
The presentation was capped off with a performance by a quartet doing an original composition about Anahola and their love for the culture and the Kanuikapono school, the Congresswoman joining the audience in clapping in tune to the student composition.
Ipo Torio, one of the school leaders, said the media center will feature items for music, video and communication centering around the use of computer.
“When you get behind the computers, you can keep up with what Congress is doing by visiting my Web site,” Hirono told the students. “You can also send me examples of what you’re learning with the new equipment.”
Torio said there are currently 52 students enrolled in Kanuikapono Public Charter School in grades K through 8.
A series of Open Houses for people interested in registering students in the school will start Wednesday.
For more information, call 822-9032 or visit www.kanuikapono.org
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
