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About HSTE
Our Vision
Leverage technology in education to accelerate a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable Hawaii.
Our Mission
HSTE inspires educators to use technology to innovate teaching and learning, encourage best practices, and solve tough education problems. Through shared knowledge and a supportive community, we strive to empower learners and create equitable technology access.
History of HSTE
The Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education (HSTE) was originally established in 2011 when Tech Corps Hawaiʻi’s application to form a Hawaiʻi affiliate of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) was approved. In 2014, the organization officially changed its name to the Hawaiʻi Society for Technology in Education and became a registered nonprofit in the state of Hawaiʻi.
For over a decade, HSTE proudly served as an ISTE affiliate, collaborating with a global network of more than 70 affiliates to share best practices and strengthen local impact. In the summer of 2025, HSTE entered a new chapter by transitioning into an independent nonprofit organization, charting its own course while remaining deeply committed to empowering educators through innovative technology and community connection across Hawaiʻi’s schools.
2024-2025 HSTE Board at the Annual Board Retreat
The HSTE Board consists of educators with a variety of interests and backgrounds in public, private, and charter school education and technology.
Back Row (standing): Dagan Bernstein, Kecia McDonald, Celeste Endo, Trisha Kodama
Middle Row: Michael Fricano II, Alan Tamayose, Shane Asselstine
Front: Lynn Nguyen, Tami Saito, Donna Ikeguchi
Missing in picture: Malia Draper
We are very excited to introduce the incoming Board of Directors this year!
Dagan Bernstein, Capstone Coordinator, Hawaii Preparatory Academy
Malia Draper, Curriculum Coordinator, Waihe'e Elementary School
Donna Ikeuchi, Teacher, Lihikai Elementary School
Tami Saito, Teacher, Waihe'e Elementary School
Alan Tamayose, Sr. Instructional Technology Specialist, Kamehameha Schools
Please take a moment to read the bios below of these fantastic educators.
The HSTE Executive Board Members
Dagan Bernstein - President (Hawai‘i Island)
Dagan is an innovative leader in project and inquiry-based learning, leveraging technology to facilitate deep, meaningful educational experiences. With expertise in a variety of digital tools, he has led professional learning initiatives and education projects with skill and creativity. As a member of the Hawaii Society for Technology in Education, National Capstone Consortium, and the Ed3 DAO, Dagan continues to collaborate with educators across the globe to shape the future of education.
Shane Asselstine - Past President (O‘ahu)
Shane joined the Hawai‘i Department of Education in 2004 as a 4th grade teacher. He has spent most of his years as the Technology Integration Specialist at Momilani Elementary School. Outside of school, he serves in many roles across various organizations such as the HSTE President, CSTA Hawai‘i Chapter Past-President, Code.org K-8 Facilitator for Hawai‘i. He has been integrating technology from Google to Micro:bits for almost two decade with lessons ranging from economics to humanities. He is also a strong advocate for implementing computer science in the classroom through unplugged, digital and physical computing. Since August 2015, he has trained over 1400 K-8 educators in Hawai‘i, to bring CS into the classroom.
Tami Saito - Secretary (Maui)
Tami was born and raised on Maui and currently teaches at Waihe'e Elementary School, with experience spanning all K-12 levels. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Technology from Walden University, driven by her passion for integrating innovative tech solutions into the classroom and empowering both educators and students through shared knowledge.
Donna Ikeuchi - Treasurer (Maui)
Donna was born and raised in Waikapu, Maui. She graduated from University of Hawai'i at Manoa with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Donna is currently in her 3rd year of teaching 1st grade at Lihikai Elementary School. Aside from teaching, she has a passion for music and coaches for Lahainaluna High School Marching Band and Colorguard.
The HSTE Board Members
Kecia McDonald (Hawai'i Island)
Kecia McDonald is Complex Area Resource Teacher for English Learners in West Hawai’i. She was a 2020-2022 Hawai‘i State Teacher Fellow and a 2022 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow. She leverages technology to create resources and communicate ideas in order to overcome the geographic challenges inherent in serving schools located from the northernmost tip of Hawai’i island, Hamakua Coast, and south Kona–more than 80 miles apart from each point. You can find her on Twitter @mcdonald_kecia or follow her travels on IG @what_hi_see
Malia Draper (Maui)
Malia Draper is a Curriculum Coordinator at Waihee Elementary School with a rich 20-year teaching career. A nationally board-certified educator, she is committed to nurturing new teachers and guiding them toward professional excellence. Her passion for educational advancement is evident in her instrumental role in supporting teachers as they bring their creative visions to life, such as establishing a school band and an innovation lab. A lifelong learner herself, Malia continually seeks new knowledge and effective strategies to enhance her teaching practice.
Celeste Endo - (O‘ahu)
In 6th grade, Esther M. Goto gave Celeste and her classmates a golden ticket opportunity to star in a class film. It had pirates “arrgh”, treasure, Can Can dancers, & Snoopy in every scene! Each child got a starry picture in the Director’s chair! Lovingly scripted and directed by Miss Goto, it was an experience that transcended education. Everybody mattered, worked hard, and had an incredibly FUN time! Celeste never forgot being part of Miss Goto’s class that shifted life trajectories towards better paths. Celeste was so happy to meet Miss Goto decades later and introduce her two children to the teacher who shaped their family’s lives for good. In honor of Miss Goto & all the kindhearted teachers who help people thrive, Celeste hopes to helpfully strive! https://bit.ly/brainbowconnection
Michael Fricano II - Past President (O‘ahu)
Michael is a K-6 Design and Technology Teacher at ‘Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawai’i. He is also a Google Certified Trainer, a Code.org Computer Science Discoveries Facilitator, a Seesaw Certified Educator, a grades 3-6 Esports coach, and has been presenting on EdTech topics for more than 15 years. His passions center around Computer Science, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Maker Education, Esports, and purposeful, cross-curricular technology integration.
Trisha Kodama (O‘ahu)
Teaching is a 2nd career for Trisha, who is now a Kindergarten teacher at Kaneohe Elementary School. She has experience teaching 1st grade, 5th grade, and many years of teaching 4th grade. Spending 2 years as a STEM/Technology Coordinator sparked Trishaʻs interest in HSTE and she hopes to inspires other educators to learn new things.
Lynn Nguyen (O‘ahu)
Lynn was born and raised on Oahu, and graduated from UH Manoa in 2018. She has her BS degree in biology and is passionate about social work, education, and public health. Lynn is the founder of Fruitions eTutoring and works with youths in underserved communities.
Alan Tamayose (O‘ahu)
Alan Tamayose is a Sr. Instructional Technology Specialist at the Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Alan is passionate about moonshot thinking, collaborative learning, and community building. In the past 20 years, he has worked with the Kamehameha elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Previously, Alan was a teacher with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education. He is a TED-Ed Innovative Educator and an Apple Teacher. Alan presents regularly on new media, digital storytelling, and project-based learning.
Past Presidents and Emeritus Members
Previous HSTE Presidents
2022-2024 - Shane Asselstine
2020-2022 - Cecilia "CC" Chung
2019-2020 - Shane Asselstine
2018 - Nathaniel Evslin
2017 - Melissa Handy
2016 - Michael Fricano II
2015 - Elizabeth Garrison
2014 - Mike Travis
2013 - Brett Tanaka
2012 - Mark Hines
2011 - Phil Bossert
Board Member Emeritus
Dr. Phil Bossert
Dr. Mark Hines
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