Nozoe to assume federal education post
The deputy superintendent of Hawaii’s public school system is heading to Washington, D.C., to work for the U.S. Department of Education.
Ronn Nozoe’s last day with the state Department of Education is April 24. He will be deputy assistant secretary for policy and programs in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
The state Department of Education says the position is a presidential appointment.
Nozoe became deputy superintendent in 2010. During his tenure he was instrumental in various efforts, including overseeing the state’s $75 million Race to the Top grant.
Prior to becoming deputy superintendent, Nozoe was a complex-area superintendent, a principal, a vice principal and a teacher.
Wrongful firing suit costs state $325,000
Hawaii’s public school system will pay $325,000 to settle a wrongful employee termination lawsuit that dragged on for more than six years.
Ross Nishi oversaw personnel matters for Hawaii island schools when he was fired in 2008 for improperly accessing the Hawaii criminal justice database for personal reasons. His attorney Ted Hong said a hearing officer who overturned the firing and determined it wasn’t based on probable cause was also fired.
Nishi was reinstated in 2014. The settlement is for back wages.
"No one in the DOE is being held accountable for the taxpayers now having to fund this settlement," Hong said.
A state Department of Education spokeswoman declined to comment.
Nishi’s case is among three lawsuits taxpayers will pay nearly $420,000 to settle, Honolulu news station Hawaii News Now reported.
One case involved part-time cafeteria workers at Mililani High School. Their lawsuit said they weren’t hired for future work because they complained the cafeteria manager was drinking alcohol at school and falsifying payroll records. They will receive $13,500 to settle their case.
Man on moped sent to hospital after collision
A 56-year-old Kahului man was critically injured Friday afternoon when his moped collided with a pickup truck, Maui police said.
The moped operator was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition. He was not wearing a helmet, police said.
The 25-year-old truck driver did not suffer any injuries.
Police said the moped driver was turning left from an exit on Hanakai Street at about 12:30 p.m. Friday, failed to yield the right of way and collided with the truck.
Workshop offers advice on retirement
The Maui County Office of Economic Development will hold a free workshop for those who are thinking of retiring.
Gretchen G. Voxland will give a presentation, "The Social Side of Retirement Seminar," from noon to 1 p.m. April 15.
Voxland, owner of Horizon Financial LLC, teaches the University of Hawaii Maui College’s "Complete Financial Workshop." She will provide information about retirement options at the event.
The workshop will be held at the Maui County Business Resource Center in the Maui Mall across Pizza Hut, in Suite B-9.
Seating is limited, and the workshop is subject to change or cancellation.
To reserve a seat, call the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247.
