Wrong.  Race and culture have a big bearing on how public schools in Hawaii fare.  There are some very  good public schools but look at the ethnic makeup where these schools are located.  Certain cultures value education as their top priority and instill that in their kids.  Other cultures do not. Kalani  and Hanahaouli are good examples of excellent public schools.  Talk to the public school teachers in those districts and they'll say that those parents are deeply involved in the school.  The biggest tragedy occurs when bright kids are thrown in among hostile kids whose parents don't care.