School news and events for the week of 03.31.2025

Aloha mai kakou to the learning community of Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School, and I hope this message finds you all in good health and happiness as we approach the month of April.

Five years ago to the month, it was my great fortune in the journey of life to join Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School as Director. Those were challenging times in the history of the school. The state of Hawai’i Charter Commission had just issued a Notice of Concern about closing the school due to financial instability and dwindling enrollment. Fast forward five years and we are now recognized as the fastest improving public school in the state of Hawai’i with strong financial health and waitlists to get into our school.

Mahalo nui kakou for the opportunity to serve as your Director and your support to make this amazing transformation together in the best interest of our learners. It was a great honor and privilege to work in this capacity and make transformational educational changes on Kaua’i and perhaps even in the state of Hawai’i. As some you may know my beautiful and talented wife, Pamela, has semi-retired and we welcomed our first moopuna into the world last year. Thus, the time has come for the torch to be handed to a new Director for our school.

Our dedicated and selfless volunteers who serve faithfully on the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Board of Directors have been diligently searching for a new Director for well over one year now, and have the following announcement to share with our learning community:
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Dear Alaka’i O Kaua’i community,

We’re thrilled to share that Paul Zina will be the new director for Alaka’i in the 2025-2026 school year.

While we had many criteria that were important for the new director, the three things we aimed for were:

1. A person on island who understands the culture of the school and our community
2. A person who has extensive experience as an educator and administrator
3. A person who can elevate our school to new heights especially around our burgeoning middle school program

After careful consideration, we found Paul to be the perfect fit.

With over 24 years of experience (as an educator, vice principal, principal and complex area superintendent) on Kauai, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to Alaka’i. Paul’s leadership will build upon the strong foundation previous Directors have laid, while also bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to guide our school forward. He is passionate about fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where every learner will thrive. As parents, we’re excited about the future of our children’s education under his leadership.

The official handover from DJ to Paul will be on July 1st, but you may see him around before then. We will be organizing opportunities in the near future for you to meet him and to learn more about his vision for our school. Please join us in warmly welcoming Paul to our school and community.

Together, as a strong and supportive ʻohana, we will continue to empower our students to become lifelong learners and contributing members of our community.

Warm Regards,

The Governing Board of Alaka’i O Kaua’i
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Best wishes to you all for a wonderful week ahead. Malama pono.

DJ Adams
Po’okumu (Director)
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School
Koloa, Hawai’i