On September 25, 2023, the Hawaii Department of Education released a memo announcing the re-launch of the Purple Star Norbert Hawai'i Award program, previously known as the Norbert Award, which was initially started in 2006. The Purple Star NORBERT Hawaiʻi Award recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. To be eligible as a Purple Star NORBERT Hawaiʻi School: The school has a welcoming climate and safe environment; the school has student-led transition services for incoming and outgoing students; through the joint military school liaison officers, Department Military Liaison, and the Hawaii State Commissioner, the school addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families; the school participates and engages in military partnerships; and the school has an effective parent and community network program and partnerships. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star banner and plaque to display on site. A digital logo will also be provided so the school can place it on their website. Contact information on the program can be found on the Hawaii Department of Education Military Families page.

The program shall award credits for professional experience gained through service in the United States armed forces.

A. The students affected by the following guidelines are classified as non-residents for admission and tuition purposes. In accordance with board policy, non-resident students are admitted on a space available basis with the understanding that priority for admission is given to qualified residents. B. The following categories of students will receive a waiver of the non-resident: 2. United States military personnel stationed in Hawai‘i on active duty, and their authorized dependents during the period that the personnel are stationed in Hawai‘i. *University of Hawaii Systems Vice-President has confirmed that dependents can attend with in-state tuition status after acceptance despite their military parent(s) relocation out of state if the parent was on active duty status and stationed in Hawaii at the time of acceptance.