Lance P. Larsen Jr.
Equity Specialist*
(808) 600-9481
lance_larsen/CRC/HIDOE@notes.k12.hi.us

*The Complex Area Equity Specialist addresses complaints relating to conduct based on a student's race, color, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, gender identity and expression, socio-economic status, physical appearance and characteristic or sexual orientation. The Complex Area Equity Specialist also acts as the coordinator for Title IX (gender equity), Language Access, Reasonable Accommodations and as the primary resource for issues relating to Title VII (employment discrimination).

In accordance with Act 206 (2018), Section 712-1258, Hawaii Revised Statutes, it is unlawful for any student under the age of twenty-one to purchase or possess any tobacco product or electronic smoking device. An electronic smoking device is defined as any electronic product that can be used to aerosolize and deliver nicotine or other substances to the person inhaling from the device, including but not limited to an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, or electronic pipe, and any cartridge or other component of the device or related product.

In addition, any tobacco product or electronic smoking device found in a student’s possession is a violation of Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 19, shall be seized by school administration, and forfeited to law enforcement. This is pursuant of Act 206 (HB 1895, HD1, SD1, CD1), Part II, Section 8(5) effective July 1, 2018.

Effective immediately, all Hawaii State Department of Education schools shall inform students and parents/legal guardians the following regarding tobacco products or electronic smoking devices:
1. It is unlawful for any student under the age of twenty-one to purchase or possess any tobacco product or electronic smoking device.
2. A student committing this offense is subject to the disciplinary actions of HAR Chapter 19.
3. Electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes) will be seized, forfeited to the school administrator and destroyed by law enforcement following the conclusion of administrative investigation.

Know your privacy rights as they apply to 1) student record information; 2) directory information; 3) surveys and other information collection; and 4) military recruitment information. For more information on your privacy rights, the laws that protect them, and how to exercise your rights, contact your school administrator or click on the link above to learn more.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides parent(s)/guardian(s) of a DOE student, the right to know professional qualifications of the classroom teacher(s) and if the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so their qualifications. Click on the link for more information on your right to know.

Click on the link for more information on Board of Education Policy 101-14, the Family and Community Engagement/Partnership.