The Hawaii Congress of Parents, Teachers & Students, also known and referred to as Hawaii State PTSA, is the oldest and largest child advocacy organization in the State of Hawaii. Chartered in 1926 as the Hawaii affiliate to the National Parent, Teacher Association (National PTA), the organizations members have worked continuously and diligently to improve the lives of Hawaii’s children thereby improving the quality of life for all the citizens of Hawaii. An organization of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities, the Hawaii State PTSA is a leader in reminding our state of its obligation to children. Membership in the Hawaii State PTSA (HSPTSA) is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, safety, and well-being of children and youth.

The Hawaii State PTSA is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is exempt from both Federal and State income taxes. The organization has also been classified as an entity that is not a private foundation, but rather is publicly supported. As such, all contributions are considered tax-deductible as provided for under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi).

How We Are Organized

Our Members
Without a doubt, the real strength of our organization lies with our members; individuals who are also members of one or more local unit affiliates throughout the State of Hawaii and who share a common concern – our kids. None of the achievements of the Hawaii State PTSA could have been possible without the support, dedication, and involvement of our members. Our members DO understand the power of association.

Local Unit Affiliates
A local PTA (or PTSA) unit is a self-governing membership organization whose primary purpose is to serve the needs and desires of its members while promoting the mission and purposes of the Hawaii State PTSA and National PTA. They provide materials and practical information on a variety of topics of interest to parents and families and bring forth important issues affecting the children and schools in our communities. They also support school activities and work to enhance your child’s academic environment. More importantly, they learn about and share with its members, local and state legislation affecting the education, health and safety, and welfare of our youth. Our 150 local unit affiliates form the basis for grassroots involvement in PTA in the State of Hawaii.

Geographic Regions
A PTA region is a geographic area within the State and is supported by a region director who acts as liaison between local unit affiliates and our state organization. Our region directors play a vital role within our organization as they provide direct service to our local units through leadership trainings, networking opportunities, the coordination of various state programs and events, and much more. Our region directors are members of our state Board of Directors and by far, the luckiest as they work closest to the our school groups and have the opportunity to see all the work being done at the local unit levels. At present, we have 10 regions statewide – Hawaii I, Hawaii II, Hawaii III, Honolulu, Kauai, Leeward, Maui, West Oahu I, West Oahu II, and Windward.

Hawaii State PTSA
The HSPTSA is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 7 executive officers, 10 region directors, up to 7 student representatives, and appointed program specialists and standing committee chairs.  Among other things, we:

• Provide resources and benefits to our statewide members via services to our local unit affiliates
• Provide services, support, training, tools, and resources to our local unit affiliates, via our region directors, so they may become strong and effective advocates for our children

Our mailing address is:

Hawaii State PTSA