The Hawaii Association of Independent Schools represents the interests of independent education within the state government through a variety of functions. The association also offers a private school perspective on matters concerning Hawaii’s greater education community, through both formal representation and advocacy.

Representatives of HAIS serve on several state-mandated planning and advisory committees, including the Early Childhood Education Task Force, the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, the Charter School Advisory Panel and the ARTS First Partners.

At the State Legislature, the association advocates on behalf of its member schools and monitors relevant legislation and legal issues. HAIS also continues to support its schools through the legislative approval process for the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds.

As a part of its member services, HAIS provides schools with important information and resources about state regulations and policies that affect private education, as well as key issues at the legislature.

In addition, through the Hawaii Council of Private Schools (HCPS), the association assists licensed and accredited schools perform criminal history background checks on new hires.

Advocacy and legislative monitoring at the federal level is performed by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Council for American Private Education (CAPE). Information and resources about national legislative and legal issues concerning independent schools can be found at the websites for both organizations.