State files suit to
close Hilo charter school

It alleges the school lacks an
adequate site and proper funding

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By Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.com

The state's attempt to close a Big Island charter school shouldn't reflect negatively on other charter schools, the president of the Hawaii Association of Charter Schools says.

"I think it would be grossly unfair for people to think that because one school has run into problems that other schools are going to collapse like a deck of cards, and I don't think that parents should think that either," Libby Oshiyama said. "That's not an indicator that this is likely to happen at another school."

The state Attorney General's Office filed suit in Hilo, asking a Circuit Court judge to order that Waters of Life New Century Charter School, now located in Hilo, to cease operations.

Charter schools in Hawaii are publicly funded schools that are free from most laws and regulations except collective bargaining, health and safety, discrimination and federal policies.

Charter school proponents said the freedom from bureaucratic regulations allows for innovation in education that traditional public schools can echo.

In exchange for their autonomy, schools are held accountable for student performance and money through a contract or charter with the state.

Waters of Life was one of the first start-up charter schools to open last year.

The state alleges that the students' education is at risk as the school violated its charter and health and safety laws by operating currently at leased space at the Hawaii Naniloa Hotel, a location zoned for resorts and hotels and not for a school. The state also said the school operated in the red last year with a $171,020 deficit, leaving the school without adequate funding this year.

Waters of Life director Truitt White did not return a phone call for comment.

Oshiyama said she hasn't seen the allegations against the school but said that the school has had a rough haul trying to get started with one blow after another including the death of its original director and complaints about its location in a Puna subdivision.

"They've had a heck of a time," Oshiyama said. "It's just there's been a great deal for them to deal with."

She said parents are supportive of the school, which also has been honored for its work in special education.