2023–24 HCR Committee roster
Our committee consists of a state chair, two representatives per chapter, and one HSTA-Retired representative. If you are interested in joining our committee and see a vacancy in your chapter, please reach out to your chapter president.
State Chair
Jodi Kunimitsu (Maui)
HSTA-Retired
Marylyn Barbosa
Central
Verona Holder
Lola Ito
Honolulu
Vacant
Vacant
Leeward
Jen Scarborough
SueAnn Thomas
Windward
Kit Brizuela
Amber O’Reilly
Hilo
Daphna Ehrenhalt
Angie Miyashiro
Kona
Heather Baraka
Isabelle “Aard” Palmer
Kohala
Vacant
Vacant
Hāmākua
Vacant
Vacant
Maui
Rebecca Kapolei Kiili
Amanda Jimenez
Lānaʻi
Vacant
Vacant
Molokaʻi
Ric Ornellas
Teddy Sotelo
Kauaʻi
Sarah Kern
Sheri Abigania
Resources
LGBTQ+ Pride resources and interactive virtual classroom
HSTA is proud to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community. The HSTA Human and Civil Rights (HCR) Committee put together this interactive digital classroom as a comprehensive resource for educators.
Event
LGBTQ+ Pride events
Each year, the HSTA HCR Committee encourages participation in pride events, like the Honolulu Pride Parade from Magic Island to Kapiolani Park. In 2019, members and supporters also wrote messages of support for Hawaii’s LGBTQIA+ students and/or messages that promote inclusive schools and classrooms.
Award
Friend of Youth Award
The Friend of Youth Award recognizes an outstanding individual who works to support Hawaii’s youth. Nominees must be involved in a youth-oriented activity outside of their professional duties, dedicate time and service to this cause, and demonstrate significant impact on youth.
Past winners: Nikki-Ann Yee (2022), Guy Shimabukuro (2021), Scot Yamashita (2020), Jason Routon (2018), Faye Like Wallace (2017), Ted Takamiya (2016), Virginia Brautigan Aste (2015), Robin Hermance (2014), Rose Atsuko Ah Sing Yamada (2013), Mervin Dudoit (2012), Penny Martin (2011), Alice Hewett (2010), Peter Rayno Jr. (2009), Alice Ransil (2008), Derek Kurisu (2007), Shiro Takata (2006), Randall Ng (2005), Duke Sevilla (2004), Clara and Joe Mishima (1999), Lyman Medeiros (1998), Marilyn Pollock (1997), Kiyoko Nishikawa and Bert Kakugawa (1996), Takeshi Fujita (1995), Zoreh Furatado and Mary Gomez (1994), Neal and Nadine Morimoto (1993), Frank DeLima (1992), Ted Kimura (1991), Earl Eckart (1990), Ellen Kusano (1989), Kayo Chung and Earl Miyao (1987), Carol Kimura and Robert Lani (1986), Steven Frias (1985).
Award
Pono Award
The Pono Award recognizes an exceptional HSTA member who advocates on social justice issues that impact the lives of students, fellow educators, and the community. Nominees must be principal organizers of campaigns or actions to address social justice issues such as, but not limited to: immigration reform, school-to-prison pipeline, equity in education, LGBTQ bias and issues, English-language learner advocacy, racial profiling, voter suppression and/or rights, and bullying.
The recipient of this award is submitted as HSTA’s nominee to the National Education Association Social Justice Activist of the Year Award, which is presented during NEA’s Conference on Racial and Social Justice in July. (Note: This was postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.)
Past winners: Sarah “Mili” Milianta-Laffin (2020), Laverne Moore (2016).
Training
HSTA CARES
HSTA CARES is an HCR initiative to integrate social and racial justice principles into education to create schools and communities that are safe, inclusive, and equitable for all keiki. Our HSTA CARES professional development and training teams are made up of passionate educators from across the state who work with the NEA Center for Racial and Social Justice to develop racial and social justice training specifically for Hawaiʻi educators that reflect Hawaiʻi classrooms and communities. Trainings consist of one-hour workshops and PDE3 courses approved by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and offered under HSTA’s Professional Development program.
Course 1: Countering Implicit Bias, Microaggressions and Stereotypes in Hawaiʻi Schools
Course 2: In progress
Statement
Hawaiʻi’s public education must include honest lessons of racism and oppression, past and present
As educators, we provide our students with the tools, information, and support they need to become strong, independent thinkers who are able to critically examine the world they live in, and understand past and present so they can build a better future.
Statement
McKinley High School deserves a name that honors its true spirit, community, legacy
The name glorifies a man who illegally annexed a country against the will of her queen and people, and reflects an indoctrination of Hawaiian students and a movement that obliterated Native Hawaiian identity in favor of American patriotism.
Contact HCR
For more information, please contact HCR Chair Jodi Kunimitsu or reach out to your chapter representative.