KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) -
Classes
at Kealaheke High School will resume on Monday, Dec. 10, with increased
security on campus and extended instructional hours.
The
Dept. of Education says eight students were arrested after at least three
student fights in two days. The
extensive fighting prompted school officials to cancel on-campus activities and
send students home, in increments, 45 minutes early on Thursday.
That
same evening, school officials decided to cancel all classes Friday.
The
school had been on temporary lockdown following the first fights on Wednesday.
School
officials say the root of the arguments between involved students is a
misunderstanding between local, Micronesian and Marshallese cultures and
lifestyles.
"This
misunderstanding of cultural assimilation by Marshallese and Micronesian
families is not isolated to Kealakehe High School," said Arthur Souza, Complex
Area Superintendent. "This is a community issue that we are
addressing."
Souza
noted that he has been in discussions with lawmakers and local agencies about
the topic of cultural assimilation and the misunderstandings that exist in the
Kona community.
The
Dept. of Education has temporarily assigned four additional security personnel
to Kealakehe H.S. campus.
"We
want to thank the Hawaii Police Department and the Kealakehe High School
faculty for their actions in ensuring a safe environment for students," said
Kathryn Matayoshi, Schools Superintendent. "What could have been an explosive
situation was contained, and community issues that have played a role in the
recent disruptions are being addressed."
Monday's
class schedule at Kealakehe High School will be modified to accommodate
Friday's loss of instruction time. Aside from additional security, the school
will also have counselors on hand to address harassment and bullying.
The
students who were arrested have all been released from police custody, but face
disciplinary actions that for some, may include suspension, officials say.
Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
