School Principals Hold Google Hangout with Senator

Yesterday afternoon, Senate Committee on Education Chair Jill Tokuda sat down with principals from around the state to talk about the Weighted Student Formula in a live Google+ Hangout. During the virtual roundtable, principals from Kapaa High School, Kaneohe Elementary, Maui Waena Intermediate, and Waiakea High shared their insights on the distribution of funds for school budgets.

Hosted by Senator Jill Tokuda, the “Principal Hangout” was a first for the Hawaii State Senate. Principals participating in the discussion included: Daniel Hamada, Kapaa High School Principal; Derek Minakami, Kaneohe Elementary Principal; Jamie Yap, Maui Waena Intermediate Principal; and Kelcy Koga, Waiakea High Principal.

“Today’s virtual discussion showed us yet another simple way to engage our constituents and communities in the work we do here at the State Capitol,” said Senator Jill Tokuda. “We are continuing to advance the Senate’s commitment to ending the geographical divide that confronts our island state through the use of technology, and I look forward to having more Google+ Hangouts in the future.”

Google+ Hangouts provides users the capability to video chat with multiple individuals at the same time. Google+ Hangouts in concert with other social media vehicles continue to be leveraged by government officials seeking new ways to engage with those they serve. Last month, Vice President Joe Biden participated in a “Fireside Hangout,” in which he sat down with Americans from around the country to talk about proposals to reduce gun violence.

This is Tokuda’s second social media event this legislative session. In January, Tokuda hosted a Twitter Town Hall on Early Learning.