Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga requested to meet with Hawaii Governor Josh Greene and Major General Kenneth Hara of the Department of Defense, when he arrived in Honolulu, February 12, to discuss concerns in the recruiting process for the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy.
A press release from the Governor’s Office says that the next day, February 13, the Governor discussed with MG Hara the situation with students attending the academy.
MG Hara is the Adjutant General for the State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Army National Guard, Operations G3, Eighth United States Army Korea, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.
The release states that Governor Lemanu and MG Hara are working together to ensure a smooth process in the successful recruitment of students from American Samoa, that are U.S. Nationals, to participate in the youth program.
KHJ News has reported that 11 of the 25 students from American Samoa, who were at the academy since January, were sent home last night and the rest are returning home Thursday. They and their parents have been told that they cannot continue at the academy because they are not US citizens.
“As the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) has made contact with the parents and agreed to return the students home, Governor Lemanu honored the arrangements for the students to return and graduate from their respective high schools, with a clear pathway of joining the military or look into attending college,” says the PR. “The parents and students will be informed of any updates with Governor Lemanu and MG Hara’s efforts to work through the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy eligibility requirements.
“Governor Lemanu’s actions demonstrate his commitment to resolving this issue and ensuring that American Samoa students have access to the opportunities provided by the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. The Governor remains dedicated to working with all stakeholders to ensure a successful outcome for all involved.”
Photo: MG Kenneth Hara
