Oct. 15, 2021

Dear Pahoa parents and guardians,

The safety and well-being of our students at Pahoa High & Intermediate School is a high priority and we are committed to providing a secure campus.  

We are sending this letter home to inform you of a pattern of recent threats among students being posted on social media over the Fall Break. The Hawaii County Police Department has been made aware of this issue and officers will have an increased presence on our campus next week. Terroristic threats, bullying and fighting will not be tolerated on our campus and violators will face disciplinary action and possible criminal charges. 

The well-being of everyone at Pahoa High & Intermediate is a continual community effort and your voice is a critical part in keeping our campus safe. We ask for your help to speak to your child(ren) about the serious repercussions that can result from such actions. 

We also ask our adults to report social media threats or inappropriate comments and to not engage in ways that might inflame the situation. We teach our students to be responsible, respectful, community-minded citizens and we expect all adults to be good role models for our keiki

Thank you very much for your attention and we ask for your continued kokua to help keep our campus safe and secure. If you have any questions, please contact any administrator at
808-313-4300. 

Sincerely,
Kim Williamson
Principal
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Read the original article from Hawaii Tribune Herald, click and visit at ​https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/10/11/sports/starting-all-over-again-pahoa-in-football-rebuild-mode-again-but-thats-becoming-a-comfort-zone/

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
 
October 5, 2021
 
Dear Parents and Guardians,
 
The Hawaii State Department of Education is aware of the planned Tik Tok challenges that are circulating online, and we are asking families to help us shut these down quickly.
 
The latest trend on the social media platform encourages students to participate in monthly “challenges” involving vandalism, violence and other inappropriate behavior while at school.
 
This is a nationwide concern as school districts across the country have been responding to theft, school property damage and other concerning student behavior as a result of these harmful and destructive challenges. This has impacted school operations during an already challenging year and has resulted in unnecessary distractions from the important work schools are doing to keep students safe and learning in-person.
 
The behaviors encouraged by these Tik Tok challenges will not be tolerated by our schools. These challenges have escalated beyond minor pranks and are serious offenses that can lead to severe disciplinary consequences. The Department is working closely with federal, state and county law enforcement. Offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and face student disciplinary action.
 
Please help our schools by speaking to your child(ren) about the serious nature of these challenges and the repercussions that can result from participating. Even if your child doesn't have Tik Tok or isn't likely to be involved in this type of inappropriate behavior, please encourage them to relay this information to their peers or to speak to a trusted adult on campus if they become aware of any information about these challenges occurring at school.
 
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your cooperative efforts to help ensure that our Hawaii public schools are safe for all students and staff.
 
Mahalo,
Keith T. Hayashi Interim Superintendent