HONOLULU, HAWAII - In response to recent tragic cases of child abuse, the Hawaii State Legislature is actively exploring measures to enhance the safety of homeschooled children. A key proposal under consideration is the mandatory regular attendance of homeschooled students at public education institutions.

During a Hawaii State Legislature panel meeting on Wednesday, the operational effectiveness of the Child Welfare Services (CWS) under the Department of Human Services (DHS) was scrutinized. This review was prompted by findings from a recent audit that highlighted areas needing improvement. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the potential misuse of homeschooling as a way to conceal child abuse.

Senator Joy San Buenaventura, who chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, voiced her concerns directly. "How can we develop a way for mandatory reporters to see the child to ensure they are still safe?" she questioned, underscoring the vulnerability of children not regularly seen by individuals obligated to report suspected abuse, such as teachers and medical professionals. The debate has intensified following harrowing incidents where children, withdrawn from school, tragically became victims of fatal abuse within their own homes.

Adding to the complexity, Deputy Superintendent of the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE), Heidi Armstrong, clarified the DOE's limitations. "Because homeschool students are not our students, we do not have the authority to enter their homes to check," she stated, highlighting the lack of direct oversight the DOE has over homeschooling environments.

Senator San Buenaventura responded firmly, demanding concrete proposals. "If Senator Fevella doesn't introduce a bill, I will," she asserted, signaling the urgency of the issue for lawmakers.

Tragic Cases Fuel Debate

The legislative discussions are shadowed by the grim realities of recent child abuse cases in Hawaii:

The death of 10-year-old Gianna Bradley in January 2024, who was found severely abused and starved after being withdrawn from public school for homeschooling, brought the issue sharply into focus. Medical reports detailed prolonged abuse and neglect.
In December 2023, Sina Filiai was arrested in connection with the alleged torture and neglect of her adopted 11-year-old daughter, Azaeliya Filiai-Ayou, who had been attending school and displayed signs of abuse.
The 2021 murder of Isabella Kalua (formerly Ariel Sellers) by her adoptive parents, who had a history of criminal behavior and financial instability, further underscores the potential dangers faced by children in isolated environments.
While DHS officials refrained from commenting on specific cases, Director Ryan Yamane assured the panel of ongoing efforts to improve the agency, including addressing significant staff vacancies and enhancing training programs. He noted some progress in recruitment and the recent launch of the "Kakoo Program" to better support foster families.

However, Lori Tochiki, a member of the Malama Ohana Working Group, cautioned that current measures may not be sufficient. "I feel like I need to sit here and call a little bit of foul. I don't think that the measures that have been implemented are enough," she stated, emphasizing the need for more robust interventions.

Homeschooling Regulations Under Scrutiny

While homeschooling is legal nationwide, Hawaii requires parents to notify the DOE and submit progress reports and test scores. The lack of direct oversight by the DOE, however, has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of homeschooled children.

The state's mandatory reporting system places a legal obligation on certain professionals to report suspected child abuse. The current debate centers on how to ensure these mandatory reporters have regular access to homeschooled children to fulfill this crucial responsibility.

As Hawaii grapples with these critical issues, the potential mandate for regular public school attendance for homeschooled children represents a significant step that could reshape the landscape of alternative education in the state, prioritizing the safety and protection of its most vulnerable population.