H.R. 213 Summary

• Congratulates Michael Ida, named the 2023 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year, a National Board-Certified Teacher with nearly 30 years at Kalani High School who holds advanced degrees in mathematics and education.

• Honors Nuikaʻlā Koerte, 2023 Teacher of the Year for the Leeward District Nānākuli-Waiʻanae Complex, a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Waiʻanae Elementary School who incorporates indigenous Hawaiian knowledge and ʻāina-based learning.

• Recognizes Leeann Manuel, 2023 Teacher of the Year for the Leeward District Campbell-Kapolei Complex, who serves as curriculum coach at ʻEwa Makai Middle School and leads AVID programs to close achievement gaps.

• Acknowledges Keevan Matsumoto, 2023 Teacher of the Year for the Honolulu District Kaimukī-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex, a special education teacher and founder of Kaimukī Youth Development Organization who coaches Special Olympics.

• Celebrates Daphne Okunaga, 2023 Teacher of the Year for the Leeward District Pearl City-Waipahu Complex, an 18-year Pearl City High School educator who received the 2017 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.