For as long as Kaimi Kaupiko can remember, the Milolii community has talked about establishing a school. Kaupiko recalled optimism residents felt more than a decade ago when Hawaiis first 25 charter schools were authorized and the Legislature later amended the law to allow start-up charters.

Residents saw a charter school, publicly funded, but privately operated, as an answer for their beloved Hawaiian fishing village. It could offer an alternative to the traditional education and possibly more resources for children who spend three hours or more commuting from the isolated rural South Kona community to the closest public school. A charter could also help preserve the traditions and lifestyles that have sustained families for generations. However, the vision never reached fruition, and Kaupiko, then a teen at the time, couldnt help.

After graduating from University of Hawaii at Manoa two years ago, Kaupiko returned to Milolii to start the discussion again. A group of residents formed Milolii Community Hui, determined to create Milolii Hawaiian Cultural Charter School. They envisioned a charter that perpetuated Hawaiian cultural values and language; strengthen family systems and the community; utilized modern technology; and met or exceeded academic standards of the state Department of Education.

Kaupiko said the state Charter School Review Panel last year denied the huis application, citing its inability to secure a facility and an unrealistic budget. That crushing decision spurred him to seek guidance, leading him to Susie Osborne, director of Kua o ka La Public Charter School. She and her staff offered the hui more than support; they gave the hui an immediate outlet.

Students and their families love Hipuu o Milolii, though no school building, cafeteria or gym exist. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, they stay home or meet at Milolii Beach Park pavilion, completing lessons for their grade level online at their own pace. On Tuesday and Thursday, they do hands-on projects, go on field trips or participate in electives, such as physical education, Hawaiian language and arts. A paid, part-time temporary teacher, Leivallyn Kaupu, as well as a handful of volunteers, support them.

Today the kids of Milolii have a choice, a choice to choose the education that they want and they have the opportunity to decide the content of their education and the future of their destiny, said Kaupiko, a volunteer and school board member. This virtual academy allowed these kids inquisitiveness and desire to direct their learning. Its also promoting the fundamental importance of kuleana.

Since July 31, 16 kindergarten through high school students have replaced classrooms with computers. However, theyre still considered students of Kua o ka La, a Puna charter that opened in 2002. Over the past four years, the charter has researched and offered online education for its students, but formalized a program, with dedicated teachers, last year, Osborne said.

Kua o ka Las Hipuu Program offers blended instruction, combining online curriculum with face-to-face gatherings, community-based projects, and Hawaiian language and culture education. Kua o ka La issues students a tablet with academic software. No tuition is required, but Internet access is. Roughly 50 percent of the lessons, mainly in core subjects like math, science, history, language arts and English, are delivered online. Kaupiko said nearly 70 students are participating in Hipuu, and Milolii is the biggest site.

Daily opportunities for academic mentoring and support are available online, as well as at the charters Hilo, Puna, Hamakua, Naalehu and Milolii sites. These places have a paid teacher and volunteers available for students needing help and to provide additional lessons. Sites also allow students to socialize, Kaupu said.

Two full-time, accredited online teachers from Hilo take turns working at the Milolii site weekly to monitor student progress, grade work and respond by email, phone or Skype. If assignments are overdue or students are struggling, Kaupu makes home visits.

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Online education ‘a stepping-stone’ toward Milolii school