I Mua Magazine: Fall 2019

imua PUBLISHED FOR THE KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS ‘OHANA

HĀ‘ULELAU (FALL) 2019

The Value of Early Education Kamehameha Schools is working with state and private entities to bring quality early learning experiences to more of Hawai‘i’s keiki

ke ki‘i nui

Growing Warriors

Kamehameha Schools Maui students from the class of 2019 take part in the school’s annual Ulu Koa tradition as campus Kahu Kalani Wong KSK’74 looks on. Each year since 2005, members of the kindergarten and senior class have planted koa trees in the grove. In addition to being a tree species, koa translates into brave, bold and courageous while ulu means to grow. Combined, Ulu Koa symbolizes “to grow brave and courageous Warriors,” which is Kamehameha Schools’ hope for all its learners.

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a message from the ceo A Generation of Change Begins with Early Learning

by Livingston “Jack” Wong Chief Executive Officer

Aloha mai kākou.

Hānai i ke keiki, ola ka lāhui. Feed the child and the lāhui thrives.

Throughout the ages and around the world, the foundation of any society is built on uplifting their children – starting at the very earliest of ages.

In fact, modern science and research reinforce what our ancestors have long known. Ninety percent of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of 5.

Yet, in Hawai‘i, the greatest inequity in education occurs even before a keiki starts kindergarten. There is capacity in our early learning system to serve only one in every four keiki under the age of 6.

For many, affordability is out of reach with the cost of childcare and preschool on par with undergraduate tuition at UH Mānoa.

Latest data from the Annie E Casey Foundation’s Kids Count show the situation worsening in Hawai‘i, with an average of 54 percent of 3- and 4-year olds not in preschool during the years 2015-2017, as compared to an average of 44 percent during the years 2009-2011.

We need to act now to reverse this trend. Early learning opportunities play a vital role in preparing our keiki for success, leading to higher educational achievement, higher earnings and career success. We will not be able to achieve our Vision 2040 of a thriving lāhui unless we address this inequality.

KS envisions a quality early childhood development and learning system that includes a private, community, ‘ohana, and a public run system to serve the variety of needs for our keiki and ‘ohana.

We believe a necessary first step is expanding access to public preschool. As the public early education system grows, all learners will benefit, including Native Hawaiian keiki.

This is an attainable goal if we can create focused support and action from the business, public, and nonprofit sectors, along with the broader community. Over the next year, KS will focus its efforts on collective action with educational, business, and corporate partners to bring this bold idea to fruition.

We hope you’ll learn more about this issue as you enjoy our cover story on “The Value of Early Education.”

Then, think about the keiki in your lives. What could be more important than helping create a brighter future for them? We all want them to have the best start in life, so please find ways to speak up, advocate and act to ensure a strong foundation for all of Hawai’i’s keiki.

Me ka mahalo, Jack

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ka papa kuhikuhi table of contents

Vol. 2019, Issue 2 I Mua is published by the Kamehameha Schools Communications Group, 567 S. King St., 4th floor, Honolulu, HI 96813.

I Mua Magazine connects, informs and inspires through storytelling that engages alumni and other important members of the donor community by framing the breadth and impact of Kamehameha Schools and its mission of strengthening the capability and well-being of Pauahi’s people through education. I Mua is committed to being a catalyst in establishing the thriving lāhui envisioned by the KS Board of Trustees.

On the Cover From left, astronaut King Arasato, doctor Elektra Gonsalves and firefighter Jerome Pave of Kamehameha’s Hoaliku Drake preschool model future professions. Three more of their classmates are featured in our cover story on “The Value of Early Education.”

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A KS partnership with Ho‘omana Hou High School opens new doors for at-risk teens

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KS Hawai‘i sharpens its ‘Ōiwi Edge

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Ka hunahuna mea hou

The philosophy emphasizes a strong ancestral foundation and embodies a shared kuleana to growing culturally grounded leaders capable of excellence in a fast-changing world

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Kamehameha’s Earl Kawaa is named a Living Treasure of Hawai‘i

Ke ki‘i nui Voices of the lāhui

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The value of early education

Kamehameha Schools is working with state and private entities to bring quality early learning experiences to more of Hawai‘i’s keiki

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A hui hou

Business executive and veteran waterman Corbett Kalama completes his term as a Kamehameha Schools trustee

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Ka‘iulani Laehā KSK’07 named chief executive officer at ‘Aha Pūnana Leo

The nonprofit is dedicated to revitalizing and normalizing the Hawaiian language

Hawaiian treasure

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How I was touched by Pauahi’s legacy

Troy Helenihi writes about his four-year experience with Kamehameha’s Explorations Series

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Telling Hawai‘i’s story

Kainoa Daines KSK’97 is keeping the culture authentic in a newly created role at the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau

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‘Last chance’ school sets Moloka‘i students on path toward graduation

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Hōkūle‘a sails onto the big screen

Producer/director Nā‘ālehu Anthony’s (KSK’93) “Moananuiākea” is sharing the story of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage with a global audience

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KS Kapālama boarding experience provides a lesson in independence

Board of Trustees Lance Keawe Wilhelm KSK’83

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Close, connected and caring

The KSK Class of 1953 has spent a lifetime saying mahalo to Pauahi for her gift of education

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Ka Nūhou o Nā Papa

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Nā Hali‘a Aloha

Births, Weddings and Obituaries

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Inside the Archives

KEEP program looked at early education reading needs in the 1970s

Chairman

Robert K.W.H. Nobriga KSK’91 Vice Chairman

Elliot Kawaiho‘olana Mills Secretary/Treasurer

Micah Alika Kāne KSK’87 Crystal Kauilani Rose KSK’75 Chief Executive Officer Livingston “Jack” Wong ‘Aha Kūlia Executive Leadership M. Kāhealani Nae‘ole-Wong KSK’87 Po‘o Kula – KS Hawai‘i

Dr. Taran Chun KSK’95 Po‘o Kula – KS Kapālama

Scott Parker

Po‘o Kula – KS Maui

Darrel R. Hoke

Executive Vice President of Administration

Kevin N. Cockett KSK’84

Vice President of Communications and Chief Communications Officer

Kā‘eo Duarte, Ph.D.

Vice President of Community Engagement and Resources

Timothy P. Slottow

Executive Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Wai‘ale‘ale Sarsona

Vice President, Hi‘ialo Group

Eric H. Sonnenberg

Vice President of Legal Services and General Counsel

Lauren S. Nahme

Vice President of Strategy and Transformation

Advancement/Pauahi Foundation Pono Ma‘a KSK’82

Inrerim Director of Advancement and Executive Director of the Pauahi Foundation

I Mua Staff Ed Kalama KSK’76 Editor

Kyle Galdeira KSK’03 Nadine Lagaso Assistant Editors

Edwin Subia Designer

Jacob Chinn Photo Editor

Contributors Elizabeth Freeman Ahana KSK’93 Ben Balberdi Shaun Chillingworth KSKS’99 Aron Dote Andrea Kanno Keoni Kelekolio Crystal Kua KSK’81 Angela Moy Mae Nishimura

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Corbett Kalama completes his term as a Kamehameha Schools trustee

Andrea De La Cruz Oka KSK’86 Raymond Poon Carrie Shoda-Sutherland Dancine Baker Takahashi KSK’79 Megan Tsuchida

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ka hunahuna mea hou news briefs

The Kalanihookaha Community Learning Center will serve as a place for gathering and learning.

KS celebrates start of construction of community learning center in Nānākuli

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n April 15, 2019, Kamehameha Schools gathered with the Nānākuli community at a formal groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on the Agnes Kalanihookaha Cope Community Learning Center in Nānākuli.

The $10.9 million learning center is being designed and constructed by Kiewit Building Group and is slated to open to the public by the summer of 2020.

The new center will serve as a place for gathering and learning for community residents and program partners alike.

Programs will emphasize Hawaiian culture-based approaches to health, education and ‘āina.

The 6,800-square-foot facility will include a large multi-purpose room that can divide into three smaller spaces.

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Covered lānai will allow for hybrid indoor/outdoor gathering areas, and ample space for outdoor learning and KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue community māla (gardens) will be incorporated.

“The vision for this learning center is to create a gathering place that embodies Auntie Aggie’s legacy of working toward improved educational and health outcomes through a Hawaiian worldview,” said KS Wai‘anae Regional Director Kalei Ka‘ilihiwa KSK’93.

“We are excited to mark this milestone with the residents of Nānākuli and Wai‘anae, and I am looking forward to seeing the progress in construction.”

The project honors the professional legacy of Dr. Agnes Kalanihookaha Cope, known fondly by many as “Auntie Aggie,” a longtime Nānākuli resident

and champion for Native Hawaiian health, education, culture and the arts.

Cope was a founder of the community-owned and -driven Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and served as board chair for both Papa Ola Lōkahi and Ke Ola Mamo.

The Kalanihookaha Community Learning Center is the second partnership of its kind for KS and the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) in this moku. In August 2014, KS partnered with DHHL to develop the Community Learning Center at Mā‘ili.

The Wai‘anae Coast region is home to the third-largest concentration of Native Hawaiians in the state with upwards of 28,000 residents, including nearly 10,000 in Nānākuli alone.

ka hunahuna mea hou

Crystal Rose selected as a Kamehameha Schools trustee

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Kamehameha teachers earn national certification

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ive Kamehameha Schools educators recently achieved certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, bringing the number of certified KS educators to 75 – more than any other private school system in the state.

They are: Nicole Williamson Barsamian KSM’06, art kumu, KS Maui Middle School; Jan Ching, counselor, KS Hawai‘i High School; Alana KaopuikiPellegrino, K-2 resource kumu, KS Maui Elementary School; Kristy Sharrer, fifth grade resource kumu, KS Kapālama Elementary School; and Cady Uyeoka KSK’06, fifth grade resource kumu, KS Kapālama Elementary School.

During her investiture, CEO Jack Wong presents Crystal Rose with an ‘ō‘ō stick as a symbol The NBPTS certification is the of strength, and a Baibala as a symbol of nation’s highest credential in the teachresponsibility. ing profession. To ensure that Hawai‘i teacher certification candidates had the of us, Pauahi’s gift set me on a path to best chance for success, Kamehameha’s become who I am today,” Rose said.

Ho‘olaukoa Career Pathways and “I have represented KS for many Professional Growth department partyears and have advised the trustees, nered with the Hawai‘i State Teachers management and staff on many critical Association to provide candidate support issues. Serving as a trustee is the next through seminars and cohort meetings. step in my journey to provide value, “More than a decade of research insight and leadership to Kamehameha.” conducted across the nation confirms Born and raised in Hilo, she holds a that national board certification is linked juris doctorate degree from the University to improved student achievement,” said of California Hastings College of the Law, JoAnn Wong-Kam KSK’71, managing and a Bachelor of Science degree in psydirector of KS’ Ho‘olaukoa Education chology and sociology from Willamette Systems and Strategy Division. “By University. continuing to support our kumu in their Her initial five-year board term will KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue certification efforts, we continue to end in 2024. She will have the option to advance distinguished teaching and learnpetition for a five-year reappointment at ing across our nā kula education system.” the end of her first term.

The certification KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue process can take from one to five years to complete, and includes building portfolios of student work, assignments, and or the first time in more than a decade, I Mua magazine has a refreshed a teaching analysis. The design. This new look is an effort to visually reflect Kamehameha portfolios account for 60 Schools’ growth and progress as the organization strives to create a percent of the certification future in which all keiki have the means to discover their potential. scoring. The remaining 40 Readers will notice a bold new masthead, a vibrant and diverse color percent is based on exams palette as well as a more welcoming typeface throughout the magazine. Some assessing teaching subject new features have been added and more are to come. These updated visuals areas and strategies. are inspired by a simple idea: Hānai i ke keiki, ola ka lāhui. Nurture the child and

he state Probate Court has selected attorney Crystal Rose KSK’75 as the newest member of the Kamehameha Schools Board of Trustees. She began her term on July 1, 2019, replacing Corbett Kalama, whose term expired on June 30, 2019.

“On behalf of our board of trustees, I’d like to welcome Crystal to Kamehameha Schools,” said Trustee Micah Kāne KSK’87. “Her decades of leadership experience and generosity of spirit in serving our local community will make her a valuable addition to the trust.

Together we will help ensure the well-being of Native Hawaiians by lifting up our keiki, just as our founder Ke Ali‘i Pauahi envisioned more than 130 years ago.”

Rose is a founding partner of the law firm Bays Lung Rose Holma, and specializes in real estate, trust, business and construction litigation. She is also KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue an expert in corporate governance and serves on the boards of Central Pacific Bank, Gentry Homes and Hawaiian Airlines.

She has given back to her community in countless ways, including serving as a trustee for The Nature Conservancy; a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Hawai‘i, a board member of Child and Family Services, a board member of Blue Planet Foundation, and a member of the advisory boards of Kamehameha Schools and Catholic Charities Hawai‘i.

“Like Pauahi, I am passionate about education being a source of hope for both our haumāna and our lāhui. Like many

Enjoy our new look!

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the lāhui thrives.

This idea is the foundation of our story today. Kamehameha Schools is committed to placing our keiki at the center of everything we do so that they can one day uplift their ‘ohana and our lāhui to incredible new heights.

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ka hunahuna mea hou

KS Kapālama welcomes three new po‘o kumu

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n February 2019, Kamehameha of her educational career to the school’s Schools announced the appointment youngest learners, first as a math kumu of three new po‘o kumu (principals) and later as a summer school principal to its Kapālama campus, following a and instructional evaluator. nationwide search and vetting process.

After graduating from KS, Santiago The new elementary, middle and high went on to graduate cum laude from school principals are dedicated to Whitworth University with a bachelor’s in cultivating world-class education and elementary education. She then earned elevating the educational experience for a master’s degree in education from the haumāna.

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

“The newest leaders of In all her educational roles, Santiago Kamehameha Schools Kapālama are has enhanced best teaching practices deeply committed to our mission to eleand cultivated high levels of learning. She vate student achievement and well-besaid she’s dedicated to Pauahi’s mission ing at every level as we continue to and strives to “live aloha” in all that she develop as a world class institution,” said does.

Dr. Taran Chun KSK’95, KS Kapālama Kula Gaughen-Haili began his new role KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue po‘o kula (head of school). as the KS Kapālama Middle School po‘o “Moving forward with these leaders kumu on March 1, 2019. He had been will support advancement and continued serving as interim po‘o kumu prior to his academic growth for our haumāna for selection. generations to come, and I know they He joined the Kapālama campus in will be eagerly embraced.”

2017 as elementary school vice principal, The new po‘o kumu have extensive after serving for five years as interim experience in the private school sector, elementary school principal at KS Maui. exhibiting exceptional leadership abilities Prior to joining KS, he served as vice and a strong understanding of the principal at Olomana School, a state importance of student-driven learning Department of Education alternative and Hawaiian culture as part of a global education school for middle and high mindset. school students.

Deede Baldwin Santiago KSK’82 Gaughen-Haili began his professional began her new role as KS Kapālama career as a Honolulu police officer, where Elementary School po‘o kumu on March he developed a passion for working with 1, 2019. She had been serving as interim at-risk youth. That passion propelled him po‘o kumu prior to her selection. to earn a master’s degree in counseling She has dedicated nearly 20 years psychology from Chaminade University.

He went on to complete the DOE School Administration Program, paving his path to a career in educational leadership.

Deede Baldwin Santiago

Wendy Erskine

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Kula Gaughen-Haili

Wendy Erskine began her new role as

the KS Kapālama High School po‘o kumu on July 1, 2019.

She comes to Kamehameha from Chicago Bulls College Prep, where she served as principal. The school is a public charter high school named after the Chicago Bulls basketball team, which supports the school. Under her leadership, Chicago Bulls College Prep became the top-performing charter school in the state.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in history and international studies from Northwestern University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University, Erskine returned to her birthplace O‘ahu, to serve as math kumu and researcher/curriculum developer at University Lab School.

She then joined the Teach for America program, serving as the O‘ahu regional program director, then as TFA managing director in Chicago.

Erskine said she is passionate about building relationships with students and staff and creating educational pathways that are personalized to the needs of each student.

ka hunahuna mea hou

MA‘O Organic Farms, Kamehameha Schools and Central Pacific Bank form unique partnership on Wai‘anae Coast

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n May 2019, MA‘O Organic Farms (MA‘O), Kamehameha Schools (KS) and Central Pacific Bank (CPB) announced an unprecedented collaboration to facilitate expansion of MA‘O’s social enterprise program and farm operation in Lualualei, Wai‘anae.

The collaboration allows MA‘O to acquire 236 acres of land through a guaranteed loan agreement with CPB expanding its current 45-acre operation to 281 acres, making MA’O the eighth largest landowner and the fourth largest private landowner in Wai‘anae.

With this land acquisition, MA‘O will become the community steward of this important agricultural resource, which has been fallow since the 1980s.

Through the farm’s physical expanKaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue sion, MA‘O will also scale its community impact by growing its youth leadership training programs fourfold and organic food production tenfold while creating MA‘O Organic Farms, Central Pacific Bank and Kamehameha Schools share a meal to celebrate the an estimated 75 green-collar jobs, develunique partnership that will expand the farm’s social enterprise program and acreage in Wai‘anae. oping an agricultural housing project, and forging a more financially sustainable organizational future through an senior director for Kamehameha’s expanded earned revenue. graduates of the program currently manCommunity Engagement and Resources “Our endeavor to secure and age the 45-acre organic farm and youth group. steward this ‘āina in perpetuity is made training program, which supplies over “It is our kuleana to stand with possible because of the mutual respect, 2 tons of fresh organic produce a week community partners like MA‘O who aloha and willingness to turn our to farmers markets, grocery and natural work tirelessly to uplift their community hands to the work together,” said MA‘O food stores and restaurants on O‘ahu. of Wai‘anae, and ultimately the entire Executive Director and Co-Founder, “Twelve years ago I came to MA‘O lāhui.”

Kukui Maunakea-Forth. as a Wai‘anae high school senior, I “We are grateful to our collaborators wanted to go to college, to connect with at Kamehameha Schools and Central my Hawaiian culture, and do something Pacific Bank for their partnership to for my community,” said Kaui Sana, grow empowered youth leadership and MA‘O’s current farm manager, and a good food for our communities.” past Kamehameha Schools First Nations MA‘O’s approach to food production Futures’ Fellow who was born and raised is grounded in the empowerment of local in Lualualei Valley. youth, as new leadership is imperative to “Through MA‘O I got to travel and the future of both the sustainable food I earned a college degree. With other movement and the broader community. young people, amongst the mentorship As a nonprofit, MA‘O has been of elders – and now with more land serving the youth of Wai‘anae since – I’m committed to helping lead the 2001, through a series of educational renaissance in Hawaiian organic food programs, including an on-farm to production.” college two-year internship that pro“This collaboration with MA‘O vides a stipend and full tuition support is part of Kamehameha’s strategic for students at Leeward Community approach to improve Hawai‘i’s educaCollege, UH West O‘ahu or UH Mānoa. tional ecosystem by looking at innovative To date, the organization has ways to empower community champigraduated more than 100 interns with ons who are doing game-changing work Associate of Arts degrees and 25 deep in our communities,” said Kamuela with Bachelor of Arts degrees. Several Cobb-Adams KSK’94, O‘ahu Region

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ka hunahuna mea hou

Together with partners who share the same values and vision, Kamehameha Schools is creating an environment where all Native Hawaiian learners can thrive. Hānai i ke keiki, ola ka lāhui. Feed the child and the lāhui thrives.

Kaua‘i’s Island School Kamehameha Schools and Island School have teamed up to improve access to quality private school education for more Native Hawaiian students on Kaua‘i.

The memorandum of agreement was signed on Nov. 16, 2018, by KS Chief Executive Officer Jack Wong and Island School’s Head of School Shannon Graves at a ceremony held at the PK-12 campus in Līhu‘e.

The educational partnership between the schools will include shared funding for tuition, innovative initiatives to further integrate Hawaiian culture-based education, wraparound support services, and shared data and research. These efforts are all part of KS’ plan to uplift students through educational systems change.

“We are excited to partner with Kamehameha Schools to inspire Kaua‘i’s children to be confident, passionate learners who embrace their unique interests and learning styles,” Graves said. “This collaboration aligns with our mission of educating the mind, inspiring the heart, and preparing Kaua‘i youth to lead lives of significance.”

This KS partnership with an independent private school in Hawai‘i creates another opportunity for the organization to serve more haumāna beyond its campuses and community programs. Other partner schools include St. Andrew’s Schools, St. Louis School and Aka‘ula School on Moloka‘i.

Kamehameha Schools and Kaua‘i Island School.

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“Our mission is to restore our people and we accomplish that by putting our keiki at the center of all we do,” Wong said. “It’s a mission we can’t do alone and working with partners in communities like this is how we’ll lift our lāhui.”

Effective for the 2019-20 school year, the agreement will be for three years with the intent to continue beyond the initial term.

Assets School Two years after Kamehameha Schools and Assets School collaborated on a firstof-its kind scholarship program for keiki in kindergarten through fourth grade, the schools are expanding the partnership to serve gifted and capable haumāna in high school.

The robust scholarship agreement, announced in January 2019, provides keiki and their ‘ohana with access to resources they need to thrive: financial support and culturally grounded Hawaiian culture-based educational opportunities fostered by KS – combined with the highly specialized learning environment unique to Assets School.

In addition to reducing financial barriers to a quality education, the partnership establishes a supportive environment in which Native Hawaiian learners and their families are set up for success.

“This partnership is very important because it represents a unique opportunity to create scholarships for keiki who will benefit from the exceptional care and

Kamehameha Schools and Assets School.

attention available at Assets School,” said KS CEO Jack Wong.

“We’re excited to continue our collaboration with a school that provides expert assessment, instructional strategies and enrichment, as well as ongoing engagement with the parents and caregivers who make such a difference in the present and future success of our Native Hawaiian keiki.”

KS and Assets’ shared goal is to create a powerful educational trajectory for the scholarship recipients, setting them on a path for success in learning.

The schools anticipate that the methods of assessment and teaching utilized in this pilot program will be broadened and shared with other educators, eventually taking the positive impact of this approach to scale throughout Hawai‘i.

“Assets is honored to be included in the Kamehameha Schools Strategic Plan 2020 partnerships, ensuring that more Native Hawaiian students can receive the education they need and deserve,” said Assets Head of School Paul Singer.

“Assets is the only school of its kind in the state, providing students who are gifted, twice-exceptional, or facing language-based learning differences with a strengths-based education that embraces the students’ differences and builds a platform from which they can excel and succeed at school and in the world. We are so grateful to Kamehameha Schools for joining with us to expand our school’s diversity and our cultural understanding.”

ka hunahuna mea hou

Kamehameha Schools and Island Pacific Academy.

Island Pacific Academy

Kamehameha Schools and Hawai‘i Pacific Health.

attending participating schools throughout Hawai‘i.

“In order to ensure that great education happens for every child in our community, we need to partner with organizations like Island Pacific Academy. This partnership offers our families more choices in West O‘ahu, where there is a high population of Native Hawaiians,” Wong said.

Kamehameha Schools and Island Pacific Academy (IPA) have teamed up to provide more children of Hawaiian ancestry with a quality Hawaiian culture-based and college-preparatory education.

The four-year collaboration, announced in January 2019, called “Ke Aloha A Pauahi,” will go into effect for the 2019-20 school year. It includes shared tuition funding, wrap-around support Hawai‘i Pacific Health services as well as innovative approaches Kamehameha Schools has joined forces to Hawaiian culture-based education, with Hawai‘i Pacific Health (HPH) to research and data sharing. improve the education, health, economic A memorandum of agreement stability and social well-being of stubetween the schools was signed on Jan. dents and families across Hawai‘i. The KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue 7, 2019, by KS CEO Jack Wong and IPA partnership, announced in June 2019, Head of School Gerald Teramae. is Kamehameha’s first with a nonprofit “Since opening in 2004, Island health care system.

Pacific Academy has served West O‘ahu Many factors impact the health of a families by offering a supportive, safe community, from employment and food and nurturing learning environment that production to educational access. The combines academics and real-world partnership will address these root causexperiences to prepare students for es through joint occupational training college success, societal citizenship and programs, internships, increased outlifelong learning,” Teramae said. reach by HPH, financial and employment “Our Ke Aloha A Pauahi collaboration support centers, increased ‘āina-based will offer this educational opportunity to education and more. more Native Hawaiians while expanding A memorandum of agreement our curriculum so that all IPA students between KS and HPH was signed by can benefit from Hawaiian culture-based Kamehameha Schools CEO Jack Wong education.” and Hawai‘i Pacific Health President and KS has established similar agreeCEO Ray Vara. ments with private schools across the The organizations will collaborate state as part of its focus on creating toward shared goals of creating more opportunities for more Hawaiian haumāresilient children and strengthening na through educational systems change. families through education, economic In addition to these partnerships, KS empowerment, expanded career pathalso provides K-12 private school tuition ways, increased ‘āina-based experiencsupport through its Kipona Scholarship es, improved community health and Program. The need-based scholarships advancement of Hawaiian culture and provide financial assistance to children language.

“Hawai‘i Pacific Health and Kamehameha Schools share a common understanding that for us to achieve our organizations’ respective missions, we must extend our reach beyond the walls of our institutions and work together to strengthen and enhance the lives of our children and families across Hawai‘i,” Vara said.

“Through the efforts of both organizations, we will address the root issues that impact the long-term health of our local communities and create sustainable change.”

Both organizations recognize that the health of Native Hawaiians is disproportionately worse than that of other ethnic groups in Hawai‘i, and strongly believe integrating a commitment to Hawaiian culture and language while increasing a connection to the ‘āina is essential to addressing this disparity.

“We are combining the good work, resources and visions of our organizations into a powerful collaboration of health, education and culture that can have a greater collective impact,” Wong said.

“With the community at the heart of our work, and our shared dedication to Hawaiian culture guiding us, we will take action that helps Hawai‘i’s haumāna and ‘ohana thrive.”

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ka hunahuna mea hou

Kamehameha kumu sweep art educator awards

KS podcasts carry on tradition of storytelling

K Don Harvey

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Nicole Barsamian

hree Kamehameha Schools kumu were recently named art educators of the year by the Hawai‘i Art Education Association (HAEA).

KS Kapālama’s Don Harvey, KS Maui’s Nicole Williamson Barsamian KSM’06 and KS Hawai‘i’s Tana Rosehill have been named HAEA’s 2018 high school, middle school and elementary school art educators of the year.

The Hawai‘i Art Education Association is dedicated to building art advocacy, education and appreciation.

This is the first year that HAEA has given awards based on grade level.

For the 2018 awards program, art educators submitted nominations.

HAEA board members – including professionals from public schools, private schools and the University of Hawai‘i – selected the honorees based on achievements in the field of art education and contributions to the art profession.

KS Hawai‘i’s Auli‘i Nahulu KSK’88, a middle school art kumu who serves as the board president for HAEA, said that _Fill_CMYK_DkBlue Kamehameha’s art programs are distinct among others in the state.

KS Hawai‘i kumu Tana Rosehill says she enjoys working with young keiki.

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Tana Rosehill

“Our programs keep pace with new technologies and techniques in the art field but still maintain a strong foundation of ‘ike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge) so that we can continue to ensure the vibrancy of the community locally and abroad,” she said.

“I’m very fortunate to work at a school that both values and supports a strong art program,” Harvey said. “To be able to work in such a creative environment, to be able to share my skills and love of art and to see our students grow artistically by creating such powerful artworks has been extremely fulfilling.”

Barsamian emphasized the cultural aspects to art education at Kamehameha.

“I love seeing students gain a better understanding of themselves as Hawaiians through their art, taking traditional craft and practices and applying them to their contemporary lives,” she said.

“When students are able to make connections between themselves and their local and global community, their artwork becomes empowering, and by extension, they themselves become empowered.”

Rosehill said she enjoys working at Kamehameha and with children.

“While at KS, I’ve grown as an educator, artist and person,” she said. “I’ve been able to fine-tune my craft within a community committed to the growth of our lāhui. It’s been a privilege and honor to perpetuate Pauahi’s vision, to educate her haumāna and an even greater joy to work with our youngest keiki. Who can resist those smiles and hugs received every day?”

ānaka maoli have traditionally passed on Hawaiian history, legends and practices through storytelling in the forms of oli, mele and hula.

Kamehameha Schools recently launched the “Ka Piko Podcast” carrying on the tradition of storytelling in an audio format, enabling listeners to access mo‘olelo on their digital devices anytime and anyplace.

Hosted by KS Communications Specialist Kyle Galdeira KSK’03, the podcast highlights innovative approaches to education, leadership and community-building through a Native Hawaiian lens.

Ka Piko Podcast is currently available to stream and download through multiple platforms including Spotify, Stitcher and Google Play Music, as well as at ksbe.edu/imua.

“It’s a growing and increasingly popular medium that keeps pace with today’s lifestyle and up-to-the-minute news cycles,” Galdeira said. “We try to, in a space of about 10 minutes, give our audience a glimpse into the lāhui-lifting work that is central to Kamehameha Schools’ mission and vision for the future.”

Topics covered thus far on Ka Piko Podcast include: innovative and collaborative approaches to learning through project- and ‘āina-based teaching; evolutions in instruction that emphasize the learner at the center; and integration of culture and knowledge as the next generation of leaders is nurtured.

Podcasts can also be used in schools to engage students and improve teaching and learning practices. Many educational institutions incorporating podcasts into their curriculum have reported positive results. This can be attributed to the ease of creating and consuming podcasts as well as the various ways in which educational podcasts enhance the student learning experience.

With that in mind, KS Maui High School has launched the “Hikina Rising Podcast” featuring the theme: “Embracing the Past While Envisioning Our Future.”

The podcast serves as an extension of the campus’ Post-High Counseling

ka hunahuna mea hou

Kamehameha athletes honored

Department by featuring students, alumni, staff and faculty in discussions focused on helping recent alumni make the transition to their postsecondary endeavors.

Begun in December 2018, topics have ranged from balancing school and sports as a college athlete to goalsetting and planning for a professional career. The podcast is produced monthly by campus staff with assistance from students.

Hikina Rising is available by visiting ksmpodcast.podbean.com.

K

amehameha Schools Kapālama senior student-athletes Ashley Gooman KSK’19 (wrestling) and Kalina Obrey KSK’19 (basketball and volleyball) have been selected to the Enterprise Rent-a-Car/Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Hall of Honor as part of the 12-member 2019 class.

The haumāna were selected by a committee of current and former sports reporters, athletic directors and coaches from around the state. Selection criteria included athletic achievement as well as character, sportsmanship, academic record and community service.

Each inductee received a $2,000 scholarship.

Gooman is a three-time state wrestling champion, who capped her senior campaign by winning gold in the KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue 122-pound weight class. She will be joining the Midland (Nebraska) University women‘s wrestling team as she pursues a college education.

Earlier this year, Obrey was named the 2019 Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Basketball Player of the Year. She led the Warriors to an 18-7 record and a HHSAA Division I state championship game berth. As the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Player of the Year, Obrey is a three-time all-ILH honoree.

Obrey, the third Gatorade Player of the Year award winner in KS Kapālama girls basketball program history, maintained a 3.63 GPA, and plans on playing basketball while attending San Jose State University.

Pōmaika‘i Evans-Bautista KSH’19, was presented with a $5,000 scholarship as part of the Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program.

KSK’s Kalina Obrey is the 2019 Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Evans-Bautista was recognized as a stellar scholar-athlete who excelled in volleyball, basketball and track and field. She was selected from a pool of more than 300 applicants based on her athletic achievements, academic success and community service.

The Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is held annually and sponsored by the Hawai‘i Medical Service Association and the HHSAA. KS Hawai‘i track and field standout Chenoa Frederick KSH’20 was named the Gatorade Hawai‘i Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Frederick earned four gold medals at the 2019 Island Movers/HHSAA Track and Field Championships, building upon the three she claimed in 2018. Frederick won the long jump, the 100-meter dash, triple jump and high jump.

In addition to her stellar athletic abilities, Frederick also maintained a 3.05 GPA. “Chenoa has God-given talent, but she’s also mentally tough,” said Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i track and field coach Manly Kanoa. “She has a fierce competitive drive – she knows when it’s game time and she just hates to lose.”

The Gatorade Player of the Year program recognizes the nation’s elite high school athletes for athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character.

KSH’s Chenoa Frederick leaps to the state long jump title.

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In May, nearly 700 seniors from Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i, Kamehameha Schools Maui and Kamehameha Schools Kapālama gathered with Kamehameha trustees for a special Tri-Campus Worship Service at Kawaiaha‘o Church. Kamehameha Schools founder Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop also worshipped at Kawaiaha‘o Church, and she is no doubt proud of these seniors as they begin their journeys to become good and industrious men and women.

HĀ‘ U LELAU 2019

ke ki‘i nui

Nā Pua a Pauahi

15

data matters Understanding where Native Hawaiians are living is critical to our Vision 2040 of a thriving lāhui

by Wendy Kekahio Strategy Consultant Kamehameha Schools Strategy and Transformation Group

M

ore and more people are leaving to examine this issue more deeply in Hawai‘i. the “2018 Hawai‘i Index of Well-being According to a recent Survey,” which was administered by SMS analysis by the Hawai‘i Department of Research. This survey, completed by over Business, Economic Development and 3,000 residents, provides estimates of Tourism, Hawai‘i’s population declined by the general population’s perspective of about 3,700 from mid-2017 to midwell-being in our islands.

2018 primarily due to people leaving to This is what we found related to other states. living in, or leaving, Hawai‘i.

O‘ahu alone lost 62,000 people over Over a third of individuals (38%) are KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue the past eight years, bringing the O‘ahu planning to, or have thought about, movpopulation to its lowest since 2012. ing away from Hawai‘i within the past 12 Additionally, Census 2010 data show months (see Figure 1). This percentage that nearly half of Native Hawaiians no differs across counties, ranging from 35% longer live in Hawai‘i. in the County of Hawai‘i to 39% in the Population numbers matter. Our City and County of Honolulu. Five percent workforce, housing market, economy, and of individuals are in the process of, or essentially the functioning of our state is planning to, move away. dependent on and responsive to the size When asked why they would move of our total population. or consider moving, Hawai‘i’s high cost of For Kamehameha Schools, underliving topped the list of reasons. This was standing where Native Hawaiians are followed by a lack of affordable housing, living and their reasons for staying, employment opportunities, and wanting moving, or returning to Hawai‘i is critical to experience life in another place (see to our Vision 2040 of a thriving lāhui.

Figure 2).

As such, we included two questions These data, along with other studies

Figure 1: Thinking about moving?

Figure 2: Why leave Hawai‘i?

Percent of individuals who cited _______ as a reason to move or think about moving from Hawai‘i. (Percentages do not equal 100% because respondents were able to choose more than one reason.)

Percent of individuals thinking about or planning to move

62% I HAVEN’T THOUGHT ABOUT MOVING AWAY

24% I’VE THOUGHT ABOUT MOVING AWAY A LITTLE

9%

6% 13%

HEALTH REASONS

OTHER

16%

25%

FAMILY REASONS

61%

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

HIGH COST OF LIVING

I’VE SERIOUSLY THOUGHT ABOUT MOVING AWAY

5% I’M MOVING OR PLANNING ON MOVING AWAY

16 I MUA M AG AZ I NE

such as the recent “Hawai‘i Perspectives: Understanding the Mindset of Hawai‘i Residents” by Pacific Resource Partnership, offer an introductory look into the complex decision-making process of families and individuals when deciding where to live.

By understanding what people value, and what they are willing to forgo, we can make more informed, strategic decisions that promote optimal living conditions for anyone who wants to live in Hawai‘i.

As an organization, we need to continue to support abundant communities and the conditions in which Native Hawaiians, and others, thrive.

To understand this complex topic more, we are conducting a large-scale, in-depth, interview and survey-based study to examine reasons why families leave, return, or remain in Hawai‘i and the connection between movement out-ofstate and key economic, environmental, educational, health and social factors.

Look for findings from this study to be released in late 2019.

3% 6% 14%

DID NOT ENJOY LIVING IN HAWAI‘I

A BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

19%

EXPERIENCE LIFE IN ANOTHER PLACE

27%

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

voices of the lāhui “The vision for this learning center is to create a gathering place that embodies Auntie Aggie’s legacy of working toward improved educational and health outcomes through a Hawaiian worldview.”

–Wai‘anae Regional Director Kalei Ka‘ilihiwa KSK’93 on the under construction Agnes Kalanihookaha Cope Community Learning Center in Nānākuli, page 6.

“The newest leaders of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama are deeply committed to our mission to elevate student achievement and well-being at every level as we continue to develop as a world-class institution.”

– KSK Po‘o Kula Taran Chun KSK’95 on the three new KSK po‘o kumu, page 8.

“It is our kuleana to stand with community

partners like MA‘O who work

tirelessly to uplift their community of Wai‘anae, and ultimately the entire lāhui.

–Kamuela Cobb Addams KSK’94, on KS’ partnership with MA‘O Organic Farms and Central Pacific Bank, page 9.

“To achieve our vision of a thriving lāhui, we have to start with our youngest learners.”

– KS Nā Kula Kamali‘i Po‘o Kula Shelli Aiona Kim KSK’90, on the value of early educational opportunities, page 18.

“I bring Hawaiian cultural values and methods in my teaching, and IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE between ‘Oh no I failed’ and ‘I can do it.’”

– KS Hawaiian Resource Specialist Earl Kawa‘a, honored as a Living Treasure of Hawai‘i, page 36.

Through MA‘O I got to travel and I earned a college degree. With other young people, amongst the mentorship of elders – and now with more land – I’m committed to helping lead the renaissance in Hawaiian organic food production.

– Kaui Sana, MA‘O farm manager on a partnership between MA‘O Organic Farms, KS, and Central Pacific Bank which will expand MA‘O’s youth leadership program, page 9.

“Our mission is to restore our people and we accomplish that by putting our keiki at the center of all we do.

It’s a mission we can’t do alone

and working with partners in communities like this is how we’ll lift our lāhui.”

– KS CEO Jack Wong, on KS’ partnership with Kauai’s Island School, page 10.

“‘Ōiwi Edge learners and leaders gain great strength from their identity as ‘ōiwi Hawai‘i

and discover and ignite their unique passions to fully engage their kuleana in ways to serve and uplift their ‘ohana, lāhui and world.”

– KSH Po‘o Kula Kāhea Nae‘ole-Wong KSK’87, on the ‘Ōiwi Edge mindset at KS Hawai‘i, page 32.

“EVERYONE IN HAWAI‘I, WHETHER THEY ARE PARENTS OF KEIKI IN IMMERSION SCHOOLS, HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE LEARNERS, STUDENTS OR JUST PART OF OUR WIDER COMMUNITY, HAS THE POWER TO PROPEL THIS MOVEMENT FORWARD.

THERE IS SO MUCH TO BE DONE, BUT BY COMING TOGETHER, WE MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE AND TURN OUR VISION INTO REALITY.” – ‘Aha Pūnana Leo CEO Ka‘iulani Laehā KSK’07, on revitalizing and normalizing the Hawaiian language, page 44.

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The Value of Early Education Kamehameha Schools is working with state and private entities to bring quality early learning experiences to more of Hawai‘i’s keiki

Meilani Simeona Future business woman

18 I MUA M AG AZ I NE

She works with the littlest of learners.

Kehaulani Crawford Piiohia KSK’06 oozes with aloha when she talks about her job as a Mālama Honua Public Charter School kindergarten teacher.

She said she got into teaching because “that’s where you get to see the kids grow, laugh and learn.”

With 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurring in the first five years of life, Piiohia works with keiki – she had 20 students in her class last school year – at a critical time in their lives.

And she’s convinced of the value of early learning experiences – which include public or private preschool, child care centers, family-child interaction learning programs and other initiatives – that prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

“At the start of the school year, students who have engaged in routines and socially interacted with peers in a positive learning environment transition into kindergarten very easily. They know how to listen, follow directions, and work together with their classmates,” Piiohia said.

“Academically, students who have been exposed to early literacy score

higher on their pre-assessment tests.

We test for upper- and lower-case letter identification, letter sound recognition, print concept, and phonological awareness. Many students who enter kindergarten knowing most to all of their upper and lower letter identification go on to begin reading early in the school year and will finish the year reading above the grade level benchmark.”

Native Hawaiian identity also plays a key role in student development, Piiohia said.

“Mele, oli and hula are another big part of our school,” she said. “Students who have participated in Hawaiian and place-based learning are ma‘a to our Hawaiian-focused charter school environment. For example, we have piko as morning protocol and grounding. It’s very easy to see who has been learning and growing in a cultural environment and those who are hearing oli for the first time.

“A big part of social-emotional development is being connected to ‘āina and Hawai‘i. When students have that sense of belonging and pilina to Hawai‘i it starts to build their identities as a people of place.

“Aloha ‘āina and mālama honua

are not new ideas. These practices are passed down from our kūpuna. We are setting the foundations for the next kupuna.”

Piiohia said she’s convinced all children should have early learning experiences.

“Preschool is an early learning experience that checks off the social-emotional and academic pieces that I look for in haumāna entering our school,” she said. “I don’t have enough experience as a kindergarten teacher to say that preschool is the best early education initiative, but I do know that keiki who attend preschool are more prepared than their peers who have not.

“This past year all of the haumāna in my class went to some type of preschool or early education experience.

By the end of the year, 100 percent of our students could identify upper- and lower-case letters and mastered initial letter sound recognition and 77 percent of our students were reading above grade level.”

While that is outstanding news for Piiohia and Mālama Honua, unfortunately in Hawai‘i, the greatest inequity in education occurs even before a keiki continued next page

“To achieve our vision of a thriving lāhui, we have to start with our youngest learners. It’s important that all of our Native Hawaiian keiki have access to quality early learning experiences…”

– Shelli Kim, KS Nā Kula Kamali‘i Po‘o Kula

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continued from page 19

starts kindergarten. There is capacity in Hawai‘i’s early learning system to serve only one in every four keiki under age 6. Among 4-year-olds, one half, mostly those without wealth, start their lives way behind.

Kamehameha Schools has long supported early education through a roughly $45 million annual investment in its own preschools, scholarships, and grants to independent non-KS preschools and community-based programs that serve thousands of keiki and families each year.

Shelli Aiona Kim KSK’90 is Kamehameha’s Nā Kula Kamali‘i po‘o kula (preschools head of school) while Nicole Darakjian Souza KSK’89 is serving as the interim hope po‘o kula (assistant head of preschools). They oversee the delivery of world-class Hawaiian culture-based education at 29 preschools statewide that serve more than 1,640 keiki.

Kim has 20 years of preschool experience with KS as an administrator and as a preschool teacher on Moloka‘i and in Waimānalo. She said she agrees that Hawaiian culture plays an important role.

“A critical component of our KS preschools is to provide keiki with

20 I M UA M AG AZ I NE

“Preschool is an early learning experience that checks off the socialemotional and academic pieces that I look for in haumana entering our school.”

– Kehau Piiohia, Mālama Honua PCS kindergarten teacher

opportunities to develop their Native Hawaiian identity and appreciation for their culture and where they come from, their sense of place or wahi pana,” Kim said.

“When our keiki transition to

kindergarten they have a strong understanding of the values of aloha, mālama and kuleana and they can demonstrate what these values mean through their interactions with each other, their ‘ohana and their environment. Keiki leave our preschools feeling confident and proud of who they are which is so critical as they make the important transition to kindergarten.”

Souza’s early learning experience includes 18 years with Kamehameha as a preschool teacher, regional educational coordinator and po‘o kumu (principal), as well as a stint as the organization’s director of Early Learning Strategies.

Souza said keiki have basic needs that must be met before quality education can begin. They include having full stomachs and access to nutritious foods; physical health needs, including dental work; a space to go where they feel safe; and that they feel aloha – that they have ‘ohana, people that they trust, and have pilina and love in their lives.

“Early learning experiences are valuable because they provide foundational experiences for keiki to develop social-emotional skills, language and literacy, self-regulation and other critical skills and knowledge needed to successfully function in the school setting and the world,” she said.

“For example, keiki learn to interact positively with others which may include skills like negotiating, sharing or taking turns, listening to and following multiple

step directions, and managing emotions.

Souza said family also plays an important role in early education.

“Pilina ‘Ohana (family engagement) is a vital component of Nā Kula Kamali’i and is an indicator for early learning programs,” she said. “Successful early learning requires a partnership between keiki, ‘ohana and kula. The ‘ohana plays a critical role in early learning because young keiki learn from the people around them and often demonstrate the behaviors they see adults doing.

“Partnerships between home and school are important and we want to make sure that the adults, at home and at school, who surround the keiki are giving them the same messages and modeling behaviors that are aligned.

“Our kumu also start the school year by conducting Kipa ‘Ohana, family home visits, to build pilina with each keiki and ‘ohana member while supporting the keiki’s successful transition from home to school. This has been an effective practice that has allowed kumu, keiki and ‘ohana to form a unique and positive working relationship.”

“Our preschools are one part of Kamehameha’s early learning strategy and we currently serve about 13 percent of Hawai‘i’s Native Hawaiian population of 3- and 4-year-old keiki,” Kim added.

With an overall theory that a rising tide will raise all boats, coupled with the fact that most Native Hawaiian children are in the public school system, Kamehameha Schools is working with the business, public and nonprofit sectors to increase the availability and accessibility to quality early learning opportunities in Hawai‘i.

“Kamehameha’s strategy is really

In Kehau Piiohia’s kindergarten classroom last school year, 100 percent of keiki had some type of early learning experience which led to greater class achievement.

A generation of change begins with Early Learning No ke ola pono o nā keiki • Promotes healthy brain development.

Early learning benefits keiki, families, and community.

• Strengthens positive relationships between parent and child.

• Supports school and life-long success.

• Creates contributing members of society.

• Strengthens Hawai‘i’s economy.

Only 1 in 4 keiki under age 6 is served by early learning.

¢

Half of 4-year olds, mostly those without wealth, are left without access to preschool.

$ Public pre-kindergarten should be available for all.

A strong early learning system

• Private preschools, community

will connect keiki and families to community supports.

and ‘ohana programs, and public preschools can coexist.

• A variety of early learning opportunities is needed.

• Private, public, and community

QUALITY EARLY LEARNING PROVIDES A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR KEIKI

HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING OF THE KEIKI

ACCESSIBLE PROGRAMS & SERVICES

systems drive success for all keiki.

Early learning education is an investment for the future.

WELL-QUALIFIED WORKFORCE

SUPPORTED FAMILIES

• Early learning

brings additional and better jobs to the state

• Return on

investments of $4-$9 per $1 invested

• Increased tax basis for the economy

comprehensive for early learning,” said Dr. Wai‘ale‘ale Sarsona, the KS vice president of the Hi‘ialo Group, which oversees KS preschools in addition to other duties. “We have an organization-wide plan that includes programs and services, partnerships, capacitybuilding efforts as well as policy and advocacy initiatives that support our vision of universal public pre-K. “We’re working with program delivery organizations as well as state level agencies such as the state Department of Education and the state’s Executive Office on Early Learning. We’re also active as a member of the state’s Early Learning Board, which is responsible for all early learning in Hawai‘i.

“In fact, Kamehameha funded the

=

A quality early learning workforce will be required to support a thriving lāhui.

• Investment in teacher

recruitment and development is an investment in our keiki.

third party that facilitated discussions and helped draft the state’s Early Childhood State Plan. By working with the state, we’ve both been able to make more progress than by each of us working alone.”

Sarsona is a rock star when it comes to early childhood education experience.

While working for Good Beginnings Alliance, now called the Hawai’i Children’s Network, she focused on the establishment of the state’s professional development tracking system for licensed childcare providers.

While at INPEACE, she started Keiki Steps, a parent participation preschool modeled after Kamehameha’s former traveling preschool program. She then continued on next page

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“Kamehameha funded the third party that facilitated discussions and helped draft the state’s Early Childhood State Plan.

By working with the state, we’ve both been able to make more progress than by each of us working alone.”

– Wai‘ale‘ale Sarsona KS Vice President, Hi‘ialo Group

Princess Barr Future police officer London Garcia Future engineer

2222I MUA I MUA M AG M AG AZAZ I NE I NE

continued from page 21

went on to design and implement Keiki Steps to Kindergarten, a statewide transition program to help incoming kindergarten students.

She’s also credited with developing the business plan for the Ke Kula ‘o Samuel M. Kamakau Public Charter School’s pre-K program, writing her master’s research paper on designing and implementing the initiative. She then secured a federal grant to help the school with the first three years of the program, which still exists today.

Sarsona oversees policy efforts on a cross-functional internal team that Kamehameha has put together to address early education initiatives, and sits on the Hawai‘i Early Learning Board, chairing the governance subcommittee.

She said there’s a lot to think about when addressing Hawai‘i’s need for more early learning initiatives.

“The issue is multi-faceted. The expectations of educational success are ever increasing as the world changes and as we now say, we’re preparing our keiki KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue for an unknown future. We first want to ensure they get the best start possible and that starts from prenatal through their early years of development,” Sarsona said.

“Currently, spaces are limited, and the cost of preschool is expensive, coupled with the high cost of living in to advocate for quality early learning Hawai‘i. Preschool is competing with experiences and universal preschool. household needs like housing and food.

Through the early learning cross-funct One solution could be universal public ional workgroup we’re kept informed of preschool, where families have access to and are able to contribute to statewide state funded preK in their community.” efforts. It’s valuable that we have this Sarsona said she feels that without communication and have learned new more early learning opportunities, it may things happening in the field from this be tough for Kamehameha to achieve its internal system.

Vison 2040, which foresees a thriving “To achieve our vision of a thriving lāhui. lāhui, we have to start with our youngest “Right now, at any given time in learners. It’s important that all of our Hawai‘i, we have about 18,000 4-yearNative Hawaiian keiki have access to olds, and the state is serving only half quality early learning experiences and it’s with public and private preschools and through advocacy for universal preother models. Without considering school, partnerships, and leveraging KS multiple options that are included in resources that we will be able to reach the concept of universal preschool, we that goal.” will never reach the other half of those Back at Mālama Honua charter 4-year-olds.” school, kindergarten teacher Piiohia Po‘o Kula Kim said she’s glad to see makes another important point.

Kamehameha’s current efforts in early “I’ve often wondered why preschool education. is so expensive, but preschool teachers “We appreciate that Kamehameha don’t earn that high of an income,” she has a pulse on the heartbeat of early said. “We need to address that. But I do education in the state,” she said. think that preschool should be offered “We value the important work that to every child and made affordable for others across the organization are doing every family. I’m not 100 percent sure

that our state has yet figured out the best preschool system.

“As a mom, my son attends Pūnana Leo O Ko‘olaupoko Hawaiian Immersion Preschool. We have seen our own child grow socially, emotionally, academically and culturally. The bottom line is that preschool and early education is so important.”

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Kalama erman Corbett at w n ra te ve d ive an ls trustee Business execut ehameha Schoo am K a as rm te s completes hi

H

Moloka‘i e’s crossed the in es channel 48 tim . es no ca outrigger ling one-man He started padd gster, was 5. As a youn canoes when he . By tin of t ou es n cano he made his ow g rin ee s 13, he was st the time he wa mco in ” ts ea all the gr canoes “against petitive races. r the 600-membe He’s been with ginbe its ce sin ub noe Cl e strong Kailua Ca tim ds is day he still fin nings, and to th ive ut ec ex e th dule – he’s in a hectic sche g officer d chief operatin an t en id es vice pr and rry office of the Ha for the Hawai‘i to – n tio da un berg Fo Jeannette Wein n days ve se g lin dd pa ith stay involved w open aching the club’s a week, either co or s am te ’s en m ter’s women and mas sessions. g in in tra on as se conducting off rm as lama, whose te For Corbett Ka ended ee st tru s ol ho Sc a Kamehameha n cultural 19, his Hawaiia on June 30, 20 guiding s hi en be always knowledge has boarde ’s in a corporat light, whether he n. ea the open oc room or out on has canoe paddling id sa a lam Ka

2424I MUA I MUA M AG M AG AZAZ I NE I NE

develop“ticket” – in his been key – his r. ment as a leade ma is applicable fro g in th ry ve “E ou’re “Y . id dpoint,” he sa leadership stan t no ay m u yo people put in boats with you’ve e, tiv ec eff be t to really know. Bu ople are nd who these pe got to understa e and ar aw , ve iti be sens – you’ve got to respectful. is g with paddling “The other thin yone is er ev at th re su en that you have to More eir highest level. performing at th create to ed ne e th that, is important than lers dd pa r t that allows ou an environmen eir th e ov pr they can im to grow, so that es. e their objectiv ev hi ac d an ability . rk wo ust. Hard “Teamwork. Tr nt rta po im all s cture. It’ Discipline. Stru through ht ug ta e ar ns so and all those les paddling.” s the first teacher wa Kalama said his ocean. that very young age “You learn at a ve u’ yo d an l, rfu ry powe the ocean is ve it. of e immensity got to respect th ing, and n is very humbl ea oc e Being on th next page continued on

ay d r e t s e y y l n o e “It seems lik ill w I . d e t c e l e s s that I wa but , e r e h e l p o e p e miss th ill w i h a u a P f o n the missio e.” m f o t r a p a e b always HĀ‘ U LELAU FALL 2019 20192525

continued from page 24

you learn to be humble. The ocean can change from day to day, and even though you may not see something at first, you need to understand it,” he said.

“For me, one of the life lessons I was taught was to listen for what you can’t hear and see what you can’t see. What am I not seeing? What am I not hearing?

That’s my training. Spending time in the ocean, those lessons come to the forefront.”

Kalama’s professional career took off in 1982, when he was hired by First Hawaiian Bank. He climbed nearly to the top of the corporate ladder before retiring from the bank in 2013 and taking his current position.

The Weinberg Foundation awards nearly $12 million a year in Hawai‘i, with a primary focus on services to low income families, helping them with jobs, housing, education and health.

The work is not unlike his former role at Kamehameha, in that both positions are about serving people.

“I use the analogy of a stool,” he said. “In these leadership positions, we don’t need to be sitting on the stool. The people we serve are sitting on the stool.

We’ve got to make sure that stool has strong legs. And we need other parts of the community to help support that stool as well.

“We can’t lose sight of the fact that Pauahi’s vision was that we serve people. It’s the people we serve who are critical – not us – and it’s certainly been

During a trustee visit to the KS Hawai‘i campus, Kalama speaks with student leaders from elementary, middle and high school about his life experiences and their own aspirations.

rewarding work.”

Kalama is a living example of a leader who is grounded in Hawaiian identity, culture and values. He has committed to memory many of the stories of Hawaiian ali‘i, and he can tell you what life lessons those stories hold for all of us.

He can recite his genealogy, tell you the legends of the ‘āina, and his reading material includes writings from not only Martin Luther King Jr. but also historical texts on Kekūhaupi‘o and Bernice Pauahi Bishop. He quotes King David Kalākaua and Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia as easily as he does with any Western leader.

“When people ask me what guides me, it’s my culture. It’s that simple,”

Kalama said. “Our kūpuna were wise.

Our cultural structure and the ahupua‘a system were wise. For me, in all the places I’ve ever worked, that’s been my concept.

“As a leader, I also have to be willing to be the one to throw the net and clean the net too. In my work, if I expect my people to pick up a paper clip on the ground, I better be willing to pick that paper clip up too. As a leader, you need to do what you expect people to do.”

Trustee Micah Kāne KSK’87 said Kalama is someone who has earned respect.

“He’s an iconic role model for our children,” Kāne said. “Not just for our

E lauhoe mai nā wa‘a; i ke kā, i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke kā; pae aku i ka ‘āina.

Everybody paddle the canoes together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail, and the shore will be reached.

If everybody pitches in, the work is quickly done.

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Hawaiian kids, but for all kids. He’s grown up in Hawai‘i and appreciates what the host culture can bring and how we can all be better for understanding our history and the paths of our ali‘i.

“Corbett would always bring a community perspective to the board that comes from someone who has been battle tested at every point of his career.

He gets called on – in sometimes not very public ways – to bring calmness and insight to some of our most difficult issues. Issues that not only the Hawaiian community is facing, but the state is facing. His leadership has always been extremely important, and it will remain important even as he steps off the board.”

Looking back over his years as a trustee, Kalama said he’s particularly proud of the development of internship opportunities for learners, and the many partnerships that Kamehameha has

their work, and we need to support them.

That’s never been lost on me as a trustee at Kamehameha.”

Kalama’s run as a trustee almost never happened. He was not selected the first time he applied for the position.

“To be candid I was disappointed I wasn’t selected. I did a lot of soul searching. But I thought the court was wise in what they did and the group that came in was a terrific group. They brought skill sets that, at the time, the community needed,” he said.

Kalama was not going to apply a second time, but said he received a call asking him to submit his name once again.

“It’s a tough process to go through.

It’s very humbling for you to be told no. You’ve got someone aspiring and charging, and then to be told you didn’t make the mark – and I just thought what more could I have done?” he said.

He said the Hawaiian community

assurance that the responsibility that I was going to be given was fulfilled.

“I respect that because it just reflects how important this institution is to our community. That’s where their passion comes from, and that’s why the selection process is vital.”

Ask Kalama to reflect on his experiences at Kamehameha, and you can see the mist form in his eyes.

“It’s been a surreal experience,” he said. “It seems like only yesterday that I was selected. I will miss the people here, but the mission of Pauahi will always be a part of me. I’ve seen the benefits she’s given to our community and I will always support that. Well before I was a trustee I was fortunate enough that three of my four children got to come to Kamehameha.

“I never thought I’d be doing this, to tell you the truth. This job enriched me and helped me realize how much more

When people ask me what guides me, it’s my culture.

It’s that simple. Our kūpuna were wise. Our cultural structure and the ahupua’a system were wise. For me, in all the places KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue I’ve ever worked, that’s been my concept. taken on where both entities become stronger – like the scholarship programs that have come about in working with the University of Hawai‘i and Chaminade University.

A former teacher at Kailua High School, Kalama can’t say enough about the quality of the teachers at Kamehameha Schools. He has been their outspoken advocate.

“The opportunity to continually acknowledge our teachers and the significant role that they play in the nurturing of Pauahi’s vision was very important to me,” he said. “We can never do enough of that.

“The people in our schools are the ones on the ground and they’re pushing.

They are the pulse and heartbeat of our work and they are inspiring our students to do great things. The future of Hawai‘i and Pauahi’s vision are tied to those kids – and our teachers are the ones out there working with them, and they are doing it extremely well.

“Our work here as trustees is important, but we’ve got to continue to work through the people who we’ve hired who have the expertise and the required skill sets. They need the flexibility to do

is very serious when it comes to the selection of Kamehameha trustees.

“The exhibition of their passion during the selection process - they are very vocal, very specific, and they know their perspective of what they expect of a trustee. They are basically saying ‘Hey, you better do your job!” he said.

“You have to respond in a humble, respectful fashion and not take things personally – because it was nothing about me – it was all about the position that I was going to fill. They needed

needs to be done. I remember people asking me about my legacy here, and I’ve told them it’s not about me. It’s never been about me.

“It’s about me being a steward, and hopefully I’ll be thought of as a good steward of this legacy. I far exceeded my hopes by just being selected. That was a major event in my life. I remember when I was selected. I just sat down and cried. I’d like to mahalo everyone for the privilege of serving Pauahi. It’s just been my privilege.”

Trustee Kalama is the featured speaker at January services honoring Charles Reed Bishop at Mauna‘ala.

Kalama talks story with high school student leaders Abigail Andrade KSH’20 (left) and Kassidy Wilson KSH’19.

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r

Lanakila Hilary Domingo was

failing high school.

Lanakila Hilary Domingo

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Traditional high school wasn’t clicking for her

and the Moloka‘i teenager was destined to become

a dropout statistic. r

‘LAST CHANCE’ SCHOOL SETS MOLOKA‘I STUDENTS ON PATH TOWARD GRADUATION A KS partnership with Ho‘omana Hou High School opens new doors for at-risk teens “I didn’t really think I would make it through high school,” Domingo said.

Yet, there she stood this past May, wearing her graduation kīhei and kukui lei po‘o, alongside nine of her senior classmates singing one of their graduation songs, “Alive” by The Green.

“Together we can make some memories. And help love grow and live eternally. And spread this word over both land and sea. And help each other on this long hard journey,” they sang.

Domingo’s life turned around after she began attending Ho‘omana Hou, a private high school on Moloka‘i that attempts to steer at-risk teens toward the goals of graduating from high school

and preparing for the possibility of postsecondary success.

“For many of them, this is their last chance,” said their lead teacher, ‘Ekolu Ah Yee, a Ho‘omana Hou graduate himself who came back to teach at his alma mater.

“There are kids falling by the wayside on Moloka‘i,” said Karen Holt, executive director of Moloka‘i Community Service Council, the parent organization of Ho‘omana Hou. “And most of them are Hawaiian.”

Venus Rosete-Medeiros KSK ’81, Kamehameha’s regional director for Maui, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i – who watched continued on next page

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Lead teacher ‘Ekolu Ah Yee and Lanakila Hilary Domingo enjoy their achievement. the graduation ceremony – said suphelping us to improve the services we porting the school with KS community were offering to our students, so they investment funding was a no-brainer. could graduate and be productive,” Holt “One of the educational pathway said. milestones in our strategic plan calls for One opportunity that the funding students to graduate from high school brought was the ability to hire the right on time and to be prepared for the next lead teacher – in this case, Ah Yee. The step. Ho‘omana Hou helps to make students see him as one of them and that goal a reality for students withoutKaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue look to him as a role model. a whole lot of options left,” Rosete“He’s the kind of teacher that makes Medeiros said. you want to learn,” Domingo said.

“The reason that Kamehameha A few months before graduation, Schools is supporting this school is Domingo and her schoolmates sat with because we recognize that not all Rosete-Medeiros and other KS staff kids learn the same way – we all learn members who asked them for a show of differently.” hands of how many of them were failing Domingo said that’s what in their previous high school.

Ho‘omana Hou did for her.

All hands went up.

“I didn’t really learn that much “They come to us with many before I came to this school,” Domingo challenges,” Holt said. “Kids aren’t able said. “My learning techniques were to focus on academics.” kind of different. Now, it’s easier for Ho‘omana Hou had 25 students this me to learn – it’s just a better learning past school year in grades nine through environment.”

12. The school integrates Hawaiian Holt said the KS support was a big culture into its coursework and employs boost for the school. outdoor, hands-on place-based learn“Kamehameha Schools’ willingness ing as tools to help students focus on to partner with us was instrumental in learning.

“That becomes a pretty powerful teaching tool. We found with that approach we’re able to engage kids who might be disengaged from the learning process,” Holt said.

Students said they look forward to things like working outside in their school garden and harvesting the bounties of their hard work.

Some students said that had it not been for Ho‘omana Hou, their education would’ve ended at the eighth grade.

Domingo and other students said that being on the verge of failing high school was stressful and that stress boiled over into life at home. But home life has improved as school life improved.

Domingo said she is looking forward to going to a community college in Tacoma, Wash., and her goals of graduating from college and becoming a teacher – like her mentor Ah Yee – are now more attainable.

“I have more self-confidence in myself,” Domingo said.

Kamehameha Schools’ willingness to partner with us was instrumental in helping us to improve the services we were offering to our students – KAREN HOLT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MOLOKA‘I COMMUNITY SERVICE COUNCIL

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Ah Yee addresses the graduates.

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ns its e p r a h s ‘i i a KS Haw stral trong ance to growing s a s e iz s a kuleauneato ophy emph ies a shanretid nace in a The philos nd emboca d e ty uonfiq id s xctheellmean u e p m ith le a r w b u n a ed o o p bu is a ti dge ers c ai‘i. Im founda ‘Ōiwi E chaodols Haw eage to this ‘āina, of the rounedheadSle lin culturaKllaymgehagmw orlofdKe Ali‘i Pauahi’svators who shaped our Hawai‘i in ecial place, sp isg thn inno ofa d wers an es fast-ch ro of he Edge empo i rations puna, ‘Ōiw many gene ets to our own kū , and minds ities, and of ew un vi ld m m or w co tion, d Island da un e, fo l ra courag an rong ancest with vision, us with a st Hawai‘i ging world i iw an ‘ō ch y ow dl a to gr ape a rapi ared kulean actively sh nerationally dies our sh engage ge Edge embo e, i nc iw lle ‘Ō ce a. ex aloh rve and ue rs pu ho nt tale s to se d leaders w ssions and pa ue iq learners an un te their ly, and igni . and global i and world hu lā , na ha ‘o uplift their : IO R IT IE S TE G IC P R E E S TR A R TH R U O E Ola! arning for ge iwi Edge Le t for ‘Ōiwi Ed en • Deeper ‘Ō m op el ev Growth & D or at uc Ed • Teaching Edgers s for ‘Ōiwi Learning & fe Readines Career, & Li , ge lle Co • E S S IN OR SUCC C IT IE S F A P A C W : NE G W O R LD H A N G IN ng A FA S T- C ng & teachi ni ar le ge s on ‘Ōiwi Ed cu fo ne p gi ar en • Sh synergistic ent to K–12 ic change • Commitm ake system m to la a ku umāna as cy en mu and ha • Ag ty of hoa ku ci pa ca ip • Leadersh of our kula the legacy • Shaping

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ith Native Hawaiian identity being a key component of Kamehameha Schools’ E Ola! Learner Outcomes, Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i has recognized the importance of understanding the identity of its own kula in achieving those outcomes.

The KS learner outcomes are the qualities the organization hopes its learners possess upon completion of its preschool and K-12 programs. They include ‘ike kupuna (ancestral knowledge), aloha ‘āina (love for the land and its people) and kūpono (honorable character founded on Hawaiian and Christian values). ‘Ōiwi Edge was born out of a twoyear process of stakeholder engagement centered in Hawaiian cultural

methodology to ensure the alignment of KS Hawai‘i’s genealogy, journey, stories and values. The concept was inspired

by Hawai‘i Island’s unique landscape and people and Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s heritage on this island. “‘Ōiwi Edge is a mindset that is imbued with a source of mana and inspiration for our haumāna, kumu, and ‘ohana, encouraging them to be trailblazers, fueled by vision and courage,” said KS Hawai‘i Po‘o Kula Kāhealani Nae‘oleWong KSK’87.

“It’s a perspective for dealing with challenges in a culturally grounded, resilient, adaptive way, bridging modern and traditional viewpoints. ‘Ōiwi Edge learners and leaders

gain great strength from their identity as ‘ōiwi Hawai‘i and discover and ignite their unique passions to fully engage their kuleana in ways that serve and uplift their ‘ohana, lāhui and world.”

An example of deep ‘Ōiwi Edge learning for E Ola! Learner Outcomes is found through the work of kula ha‘aha‘a (elementary school) first-graders.

In partnership with the Kumuola Marine Science Education Center – a KS Hawai‘i collaborative learning site at the Waiāhole loko i‘a (Hawaiian fishpond) near Keaukaha – papa ‘ekahi (grade one) learners engaged in real-world problemsolving. continued on next page

HĀ‘ HĀ‘ U LELAU U LELAU 2019 20193333

continued from page 33

Throughout a year-long study, keiki uncovered mo‘olelo of the site, explored the water, plants, loko i‘a infrastructure and the limu and fish inside the pond. Each student then researched and developed a story, personifying an element at the pond as a superhero battling the element’s arch nemesis with a prototyped solution.

For example, dirt and the grass that can grow from it are the arch nemesis of the fishpond’s kuapā and mākāhā (wall and gate) as those elements can weaken the wall. Students learn how to pack the wall securely with large and tiny stones, preventing dirt and grass from impacting the integrity of the wall.

Boom, a superhero is born – a superhero who helped save the fishpond!

By providing opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom using the rich natural resources available on the island, haumāna can discover the challenges within the ‘āina and find solutions just the way their kūpuna did.

“You can’t make the kids want to care. It’s something you have to build within them, and that’s the change I see inside our haumāna. As they come and empathize with the elements and the place and the animals, building that empathy, building that sense of belonging, building that identity – who they are and who their kūpuna were to make this place the amazing success that it was – that’s critical to where we will be,” said Kumuola Marine Science Center director Lucas Mead.

The hands-on, real, relevant and relatable experiences that come from working in an environment and building pilina with a place like Kumuola, give students something to connect to.

“The effectiveness of a place like this is that it connects with the classroom, it’s not in the isolation of the classroom, so learning is continuous,” said Kumuola Marine Science Center kumu Layne Richards KSK’95.

“It really is ‘Ōiwi Edge. It’s the idea that our people are resilient. We not only come from a rich and robust Hawaiian culture, but we come from a culture of innovation with deeply rooted grit and resilience. When we see the little ones learn, they smile, and they sing.

“It’s really difficult to not have that

Below and at right: Students learn how to identify different rocks by their shapes, even underneath the water, that will be used to reinforce the fishpond wall.

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Nā kia‘i loko i‘a (fishpond protectors) Kaoluku Angeleo and Kaeden John Kekaualua, decked out in their superhero capes and mask for an end of year hō‘ike, examine the kuapā (fishpond wall) they studied throughout their year-long experience at the loko i‘a.

‘Ōiwi Edge is a mindset that is imbued with a source of mana and inspiration for our haumāna, kumu, and ‘ohana, encouraging them to be trailblazers, fueled by vision and courage.

– Kāhealani Nae‘ole-Wong KSK’87 KS Hawai‘i Po‘o Kula

be contagious. It’s the way our kūpuna learned and it’s the way we prefer to learn, but don’t always get that opportunity.

KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue Thankfully, our leadership on all sides helped to make Kumuola happen.”

In recognizing the embedded learning style within these keiki, and building the important connections to place, the idea is that servant leaders equipped with ‘ike kūpuna, aloha ‘āina, mālama and kuleana will develop.

“It’s work that we do forever, it’s not work that is finished,” said first grade kumu Michelle Young. “Everything that these haumāna have prototyped and all the work that they’ve done are the planting of seeds inside of them that makes them want to keep wanting to do this work for their lāhui.”

“‘Ōiwi really speaks to one’s connection to, awareness of, aloha for, and pilina with Native Hawaiian-ness,” said KS Hawai‘i Kula Ha‘aha‘a Po‘o Kumu Ka‘ulu Gapero KSK’93. “‘Ōiwi Edge learning is how we engage our haumāna throughout the day in different learning experiences.

“Our kumu do a fantastic job of looking at and understanding deeply what our students’ learning needs are, and then designing this coherent instruction and facilitating this learning experience that is intended to not just build academic competence, but to really build their na‘au, their awareness of lāhui and their role within society as to what they can do as solution-minded engineers to help address issues of local importance.”

Below and at bottom: First-grade haumāna work on their prototypes for solutions to address the problems they’ve been studying, including how to grow plants on top of the fishpond and how to remove invasive species that are in or enter the fishpond.

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KAMEHAMEHA’S EARL KAWA‘A IS NAMED A LIVING TREASURE OF HAWAI‘I

Casual observers liken Earl Kawa‘a to a football coach: deftly walking the line between enforcer and encourager; balancing the need to enforce rules with encouraging progress and success; and knowing when to scold or praise depending on the situation.

His approach represents a growing wave that has swelled due to Kawa‘a’s ability to reintroduce old-school teaching methods and topics to a new-school generation of learners.

continued on next page continued on next page

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Kumu Kawa‘a, a master teacher, works his magic with students from Roosevelt High School.

continued from page 37

“It’s a big wave, and lots of people can get on and surf!” Kawa‘a says, going from stoic to ecstatic in seconds. “Ninety-eight percent of the fathers who take my class tell me afterwards that they don‘t scold or yell at their kids anymore. You can hear the tone in their voices that they have changed. It’s all about applying yourself and working hard to improve.”

Hawaiian culture-based education springs from concept to reality throughout Kawa‘a’s teaching methods as the culture and language lives and grows through oral and hands-on lessons.

Kawa‘a, a Hawaiian resource specialist at Kamehameha Schools who is recognized throughout the local community as an educator, peacemaker and kanaka leader, was honored with a Living Treasures of Hawai‘i award from the Honpa Hongwangji Mission of Hawai‘i program in February.

The award recognizes and honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence and high achievement in their field of endeavor, and who, through continuous growth, learning, and sharing, have made significant contributions toward enriching society.

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Kawa‘a hails from Hālawa, Moloka‘i.

His deep connection to the ‘āina, culture and language is present in his lessons, which also emphasize the importance of discipline and responsibility.

His mission to put a “board and stone in every home” led to the wellestablished Board & Stone classes – a KS collaboration with Keiki O Ka ‘Āina – that have reached more than 2,000 individuals and their ‘ohana over the past decade. In the popular hands-on classes, Kawa‘a guides attendees as they create their own papa ku‘i ‘ai (poi board) and pōhaku ku‘i ‘ai (stone poi pounder).

Kawa‘a, who is assigned to Kamehameha’s Strategy and Transformation group, has also brought his ‘ike and mana‘o to Roosevelt High School where he teaches an elective project-based Hawaiian language class entitled Koa Kaliopeku on Wednesday and Friday throughout the school year.

During a recent class session, Kawa‘a asks a student if his task is complete, to which the haumāna replies, “Pretty much.”

“Pretty much!? That’s not good enough for me! Do the job right,” Kawa‘a says – stern, yet supportive.

The tough-love, straightforward approach supplemented with well-timed smiles and hugs has endeared Kawa‘a to generations of students. When working with the Roosevelt haumāna in particular, it’s common to observe high schoolers trudge through the door and immediately light up when greeting their teacher with “Kumu Kawa‘a!” after stepping into their classroom, which has been repurposed from a prop-and-set design and construction room at the back of the Roosevelt auditorium.

“If students can‘t go to Kamehameha Schools, Kawa‘a comes to them.”

In addition to imparting “functional Hawaiian language” upon the students, most of whom are Native Hawaiian, Kawa‘a also teaches them to make their own kapa and ‘ukulele as semesterlong projects.

“By adding Hawaiian language, it‘s a soft introduction to the culture,” Kawa‘a explains. “Rhythm enhances the learning that is tied to spirituality. Their emotions are kept in check because they are eased into it. It‘s important to understand that our ancestors had forms of education modeled in this class that resulted in 97 percent literacy.

That’s not an accident!”

Kawa‘a’s efforts align with KS’ focus on uplifting the lāhui through education and identifying with the Native Hawaiian culture.

“If students can’t go to Kamehameha Schools, Kawa‘a comes to them,” the kumu says with a smile. “I bring Hawaiian cultural values and methods in my teaching, and it makes a difference between ‘Oh no, I failed!’ and ‘I can do it.’ In my classes, I implement that mentality as a proactive way to change attitudes and behaviors.

“If the confidence is there, more Native Hawaiian students are being proactive as opposed to reactive in their learning.”

Confidence exudes from Keahonui Aiu, a junior at Roosevelt, who raves about the experience.

“As a Hawaiian, I wanted to learn more about my culture,” Aiu says.

“We’ve learned a lot of life skills in the class, including perseverence, patience and going out of your comfort zone.

It’s not just hands-on learning, and we get to discover our Hawaiian values like po‘okela – striving for excellence.

“Kumu Kawa‘a will push us, and give us all the tools we need to succeed, so there are never excuses why you can’t do something. The resources are there, so if you choose not to take that help, that’s on you.”

Kawa‘a adds: “It’s a college-level 101 class, but you can‘t read this from a textbook. It’s rigorous, but the context is presented softly so the students aren’t scared away. We have 98% attendance – you can’t win the game without going to practice.”

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How I was touched by Pauahi’s legacy Troy Helenihi writes about his four-year experience with Kamehameha’s Explorations Series

by Troy Helenihi

I

was given the opportunity to attend Kamehameha’s Explorations Series program in Hawai‘i over four summers.

The first year I went was the summer before I started sixth grade, and I attended Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i, where we stayed in the dorms on campus for one week. The program ran from Sunday afternoon to Friday evening.

As soon as we got there we learned oli and mele and practiced them day and night, sometimes for hours. Everyday we went on field trips to different places.

We went to the lo‘i kalo and we helped the workers there and learned different stories.

We learned about the importance of laulima, which means many hands working together. During the week, we also made ‘ohe hano ihu (nose flute), ipu (Hawaiian instrument made of gourd) and fish scalers.

In the summer going into seventh grade, I went to Ho‘olauna Ko‘olauloa.

That week, we focused on our kuleana as Hawaiians. We discussed and learned more about our kuleana within our family, school and community and we focused on our kuleana within our environment. We did tests on nearby streams to make sure they were clean and habitable, and we also made sure to take care of the land while we stayed at the beach house.

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The end project included picking one kuleana, and we had to make it into a symbol. I chose the kuleana of keeping my family tied together and strong and my symbol was a rope with multiple knots in it.

I chose the kuleana of keeping my family tied together because I

I chose the kuleana of keeping my family tied together

because I understand that I’m still young and I still need the support of my family to help me through life.

Without my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

A rope with knots signifies Troy’s family tied together and strong.

understand that I’m still young and I still need the support of my family to help me through life. My family is where I learn my values, culture, and identity, and where I get my support and confidence.

Without my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It was emotional for me to discuss when I gave the Founder’s Day speech because I love my family – I’ve always thought that – but actually saying it out loud and hearing those words come out is a lot different!

In the summer going into eighth grade, I went to Ho‘olauna Maui and that week we focused on what makes us Hawaiian. It was more than just the music, surfing and the food. It was also about how we live, how we interact with others, and how we interact with the environment.

It wasn’t just about the cool things you do, but it’s the way you live and how you choose to carry yourself.

Finally, in the summer going into ninth grade, I went to Kūlia I Ka Pono O‘ahu. We were all given different topics to focus on throughout the week and instructed to pay attention to different things on field trips.

My group was given the topic of native versus invasive species. The end project was a public service announcement where we made a video of a skit, where we communicated the importance of keeping invasive species out and making sure the native species are able to flourish. I had a lot of fun making

the video and our video turned out amazing.

Through these experiences over these past four years, I learned a lot and had a lot of fun during it. Not only did I meet some amazing people and make friends that I still keep in touch with today, but I also learned more about my culture, my ancestors, myself and who I am as a Hawaiian.

I am extremely proud to say that I am Hawaiian. It’s important to me to learn about my culture because I feel I should know who I am as a Hawaiian and where I come from. I was interested in learning about the practices my ancestors used to do.

I see myself benefitting from this KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue because it keeps me grounded and focused. It also gives me more confidence knowing who I am and helps me make better decisions.

I see many people who get lost because they don’t know who they are or where they come from. They often get involved in gangs, drugs and/or lewd behavior. My parents always remind us that we have a responsibility for our people – our successes are our people’s successes, and our failures are our

K

AMEHAMEHA’S SIGNATURE ONE-WEEK SUMMER BOARDING PROGRAM HO‘OMĀKA‘IKA‘I CELEBRATED ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2017 – having served more than 50,000 keiki – and it continues to connect students from across the nation with their Hawaiian culture.

Troy Helenihi, who just completed a 4.0 freshman year at Union High School, is the son of Aaron (KSK’91) and Mari Helenihi of Vancouver, Wash., and the grandson of Leroy Helenihi KSK’57 and Myrtle DeCanto KSK’58.

Troy’s sister Ashley, who just completed her sophomore year at the University of Southern California, also completed all four years of Kamehameha’s Explorations Series, and his younger sister Naomi is hoping to attend Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i in two years.

The Helenihi ‘ohana is active in the Oregon/Southwest Washington region of the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association, and in February, Troy was the guest speaker at the group’s Founder’s Day ceremonies at the invitation of region President Christine Nakagawa Ladd KSK’70.

“We are focusing our efforts on re-invigorating our KSAA chapter, and we feel so fortunate for the opportunity to both give back to Pauahi’s legacy and contribute toward the future of the KS ‘ohana and the Hawaiian community in the Pacific Northwest,” Mari Helenihi said.

“Troy’s inner drive to do well is truly thanks to his kūpuna who came before him and to all who have influenced his life thus far. Mahalo once again to the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, and all who continue to perpetuate her generous heart and hope for future generations of Hawaiians.”

The Helenihi ‘ohana: from left, Aaron Helenihi KSK’91, Troy, Naomi, Ashley and Mari.

people’s failures. I always keep that in mind as I work hard to do well in school and any activities I am involved in.

The best thing about this program was being with kids like me and experiencing everything with them. I cherish the funny and awesome memories I have throughout the four years. Being put into an environment with such kind, funny people was amazing, and I would recommend the program to others.

I had so much fun. To come from Washington state and to be accepted was the best feeling. I loved being around people who I had things in common with and who I could relate to.

Those four weeks I got to spend in Hawai‘i were some of the best times of my life.

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“I have an opportunity to represent the entire state and reframe the narrative to one that is authentic to our people and this place.�

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Telling Hawai‘i’s Story

Kainoa Daines is keeping the culture authentic in a newly created role at the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau

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hile it’s not his official title, in practice Kainoa Daines KSK’97 is now serving as the cultural conscience for the organization that represents the state in the highly competitive arena of destination marketing.

Daines’ position – he’s the director of culture and product development for the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) – is new to HVCB and critically important as it supports Hawai‘i’s largest economic driver in a sustainable way.

“This is my dream job,” said Daines about his role at HVCB. “I have an opportunity to represent the entire state and reframe the narrative to one that is authentic to our people and this place.”

Daines is perfectly suited for the newly created position.

He served as director of sales for the O‘ahu Visitors Bureau, an HVCB Island Chapter, for nearly eight years and as a cultural advisor to HVCB for nearly seven years.

Among his responsibilities, Daines is tasked with leading a team to ensure HVCB’s representation of Hawai‘i is genuine, and most importantly, preserves and advances the Hawaiian culture in all aspects of Hawai‘i’s visitor industry.

“We’re looking inward to reflect on who we are and sharing that message with visitors,” Daines said. “We’re welcoming visitors to our home and giving them the parameters and structure to responsibly – and respectfully – be guests in our islands.”

KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue Working in the hospitality and tourism industry was a calling for Daines. As a junior in high school, Daines was waiting in the lobby of the Sheraton Waikīkī when he had a revelation that changed his outlook and ultimately the trajectory of his career.

“As I’m sitting there watching the bellmen go by, watching guests check-in and absorbing the vibe of this moment, I thought, ‘I kind of like this. I would like to make it part of my life,’” he said.

With the help of his college counselor, Daines decided to pursue his degree at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Following graduation, he gained experience at the Monte Carlo, Bellagio and Mirage resorts in Las Vegas, until he received a call from his aunty encouraging him to return to Hawai‘i.

“I can trace my professional genealogy to the first job I got when I moved back home,” Daines said. “My soon-to-be boss, Hanalei Kanehailua KSK’56 saw my resume and recognized the unique background, perspective and value fellow alumni bring to the table.”

While the job with a Canadian wholesale company eventually folded, the experience led to new opportunities at the Miramar Hotel and the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel.

Daines, who originally thought he would never want a position in sales and marketing, said he realized he could infuse Hawaiian culture in his new role to enhance the hospitality experience and the industry at large.

“It was more than a lei-stringing class in the lobby,” Daines said. “Everyone from engineers, housekeeping staff and the front desk staff were engaged in Hawaiian language and culture.”

Maka‘ala Rawlins KSK’97 and Ka‘iu Kimura KSK’96, who were working at ‘Aha Pūnana Leo at the time, helped Daines implement a weekly Hawaiian language class during lunch breaks at the Miramar Hotel.

Educating the visitor industry and guests about Hawai‘i and its culture became part of Daines’ marketing strategy.

His personal experiences – researching Hawaiian history, dancing for Kumu Kaha‘i Topolinksi and Ka Pā Hula Hawai‘i, taking ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i classes at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and becoming a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha – influence his ability to tell Hawai‘i’s story authentically on a global scale.

And the strategy works. While working as sales director at the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel, Daines and his team were able to increase occupancy from 17% to 70%.

“Visitors from around the world want to see more of who we are, not just who we are as an indigenous host culture, but the culture of Hawai‘i today. Our first priority is our home.

Anything we do is for this place and our people,” he said.

Throughout his career, Daines has masterfully identified opportunities to support partners in the community while also showcasing the best Hawai‘i has to offer. Still, he recognizes the industry is approaching a transformational period in which Hawai‘i can tell its story in a new way.

Daines has some advice for Kamehameha Schools students and alumni.

“From a tourism perspective, we are the face of Hawai‘i.

Consider the industry as an option to be part of Hawai‘i’s story.

We need to be warriors in this industry, to share our culture with the world and keep it alive and well.”

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Ka‘iulani Laehā Named Chief Executive Officer at ‘Aha Pūnana Leo The nonprofit is dedicated to revitalizing and normalizing the Hawaiian language

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ere’s the vision: ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i is spoken throughout the state – in media and in state government; in coffee shops and offices buildings; in public and private classrooms; and even at family gatherings.

For Ka‘iulani Laehā KSK’07, this isn’t just a dream, it’s an allconsuming mission.

Selected as the chief executive officer of ‘Aha Pūnana Leo in November 2018, Laehā now leads an organization dedicated to the Ka‘iulani Laehā takes the helm revitalization and normalization of at ‘Aha Pūnana Leo the Hawaiian language.

Established in 1983, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo is a Native Hawaiian nonprofit with a vision of “E Ola Ka ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i” – the Hawaiian language shall live – and a mission to reclaim ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i as a living language in Hawai‘i and beyond.

Started as a grassroots effort, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo has become a local, national and international model for indigenous language revitalization. The organization, which devoted its first 35 years to the reestablishment of a 100 percent immersive Hawaiian language medium education, is now setting its sights on expanded platforms to further normalize ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.

Building on and expanding its solid foundation of Pūnana Leo Preschools, ‘Aha Pūnana Leo is increasing leadership capacity to execute strategies for creating new, innovative environments for ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i to grow and thrive.

Laehā didn’t originally intend to be at the helm of the Hawaiian language movement, but her arrival to this position is not surprising.

After the rapid completion of both her bachelor’s KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue and master’s degrees in business and finance at Hawai‘i Pacific University – all within the span of 3.5 years – Laehā repeatedly found herself using her business mindset and strategic thinking skills to serve the nonprofit sector.

Prior to joining ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, Laehā served as the development manager for Kupu, promoting public awareness and engaging donors for the Honolulu-based nonprofit that educates and mentors Hawai‘i’s youth to become good stewards of Hawaiian culture and the environment.

This role is consistent with her previous service in the nonprofit sector, attracting new resources and raising community recognition and appreciation for some of Hawai‘i’s distinguished nonprofit organizations.

“I have always wanted to make Hawai‘i a better place, but I had no idea that desire would evolve into my professional career,” Laehā said. “I’m grateful to be able to serve this

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community that I love, and to be able to give back to the home that has given me so much.”

Laehā is certainly serving the Hawaiian community.

She’s tasked with both strengthening current APL programs, including their preschools, distance learning and workforce development initiatives, and creating new, innovative initiatives and approaches.

“When ‘Aha Pūnana Leo first started, there were less than 50 Hawaiian language speakers under the age of 18,” she said. “Now we are at approximately 25,000 individuals who self-identify as Hawaiian language speakers. This speaks volumes to what the organization has helped to accomplish, and I’m honored to extend this legacy and create even more momentum into the future.”

As Laehā looks back, she said she’s extremely thankful to Kamehameha Schools for helping her achieve a strong Native Hawaiian identity, allowing her to grow and flourish as a young woman confident in her cultural roots and place in the world.

“KS taught me to respect where I came from while taking the initiative to create a brighter future. I learned that I’m able to stand strong as a Native Hawaiian person in any environment and I want to help our keiki and ‘ohana also stand strong in their identity and realize their unlimited potential,” she said.

KS continues to be a strong partner and supporter of ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, with both organizations’ aligned missions and like-minded initiatives adding momentum and support to the nonprofit’s efforts.

“Kamehameha is moving forward with many initiatives, including their requirement that staff participate in Hawaiian language lessons,” Laehā said. “I love witnessing organizations, especially one as large as KS, put significant plans in motion that help us collectively grow closer to realizing ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i as a living language in all settings.”

Laehā encourages anyone interested in learning Hawaiian to follow any available program, immerse themselves in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, and use it in whatever capacity they can.

“Everyone in Hawai‘i, whether they are parents of keiki in immersion schools, Hawaiian language learners, students or just part of our wider community, has the power to propel this movement forward. There is so much to be done, but by coming together we make the impossible possible and turn vision to reality,” Laehā said.

“I’m deeply passionate about the legacy of the Hawaiian language movement, and the vital role ‘Aha Pūnana Leo and its educational programs have played for the past 35 years.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization that is shifting mindsets and attitudes about ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i’s place in our home, making it normal again to use and hear ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i all around us.”

Photos courtesy ‘Aha Pūnana Leo

“Everyone in Hawai‘i, whether they are parents of keiki in immersion schools, Hawaiian language learners, students or just part of our wider community, has the power to propel this movement forward. There is so much to be done, but by coming together we make the impossible possible and turn vision to reality.”

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-le ‘a sails Ho-ku onto the big screen PRODUCER/DIRECTOR NĀ‘ĀLEHU ANTHONY’S “MOANANUIĀKEA” IS SHARING THE STORY OF THE MĀLAMA HONUA WORLDWIDE VOYAGE WITH A GLOBAL AUDIENCE Debuting at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival in November 2018, “Moananuiākea: One Ocean One People One Canoe” is a documentary film that tells the story of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage aboard the legendary canoe Hōkūle‘a.

The film is produced and directed by Nā‘ālehu Anthony KSK’93, written by Bryson Hoe KSK’05 and edited by Maui Tauotaha, all of whom served as crewmembers on Hōkūle‘a.

“The experience of sailing in far away oceans and visiting these ports around the globe as both a filmmaker and crewmember have changed my life,” Anthony said. “I’m honored to have been part of the team that documented the voyage and to help tell this chapter of Hōkūle’a’s story.”

Presented by the Polynesian Voyaging Society and ‘Ōiwi Television Network, in association with Palikū Documentary Films and in partnership with the voyage’s educational sponsor Kamehameha Schools, “Moananuiākea” is the next step in the journey of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, which ran from 2013 to 2017. continued on page 48

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Those who have come before me as documenters and film makers have also spent lots of time attempting to tell the story of the canoe. All of us have been pursuing a central idea, and that is to bring viewers on board the canoe during a voyage through the art of story.

– Nā‘ālehu Anthony

Caption continued from page 46

The historic circumnavigation of the Hōkūle‘a engaged the Earth, connecting with more than 100,000 people in more than 150 ports across the world. This film brings that experience to the silver screen.

“Moananuiākea is a record of the 10 years of planning and work that went into the worldwide voyage and the tireless efforts of many people from our local community and across the globe,” said Nainoa Thompson, president of PVS and a former Kamehameha Schools trustee.

The documentary illustrates the crucial role of indigenous voices and perspectives in creating solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. The film honors ‘ike Hawai‘i – traditional wisdom of our island culture – on a global stage and extends the values of the worldwide voyage and Hōkūle‘a, a beacon of sustainability, unity and culture, beyond the voyaging community for perpetuation in the wider world.

“The most remarkable thing we’ve witnessed during the years of the worldwide voyage has been the spark of connection – the exchange of mutual respect between cultures and the opportunities to learn so much from each other,” said Dr. Randie Fong KSK’78, director of Kamehameha’s Ho‘okahua Cultural Vibrancy department and a key advisor for the worldwide voyage.

“Our hope is that this film inspires the same spark in audiences throughout the world, to deeply examine the ways

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we honor our ancestors and how we mālama honua – care for our island earth.”

After winning the Audience Award at the Hawai‘i International Film Festival, Anthony departed on a yearlong tour promoting the film which will run through 2019. So far, they’ve had screenings across Hawai‘i, in Aotearoa, New York City, Idaho, Los Angeles and Oregon, where it won the Social Justice Award at the Disorient Film Festival.

The film is being translated into Japanese, French, Spanish, Basque and Chinese as well.

Certified as a Hōkūle‘a captain, Anthony has been involved in sailing and storytelling – he’s the owner of Palikū Documentary Films – on board the canoe for the past 25 years.

“The journey to bring this film to audiences is in many ways married to the journey that the Hōkūle‘a has been on for decades. Those who have come before me as documenters and filmmakers have also spent lots of time attempting to tell the story of the canoe.

“All of us have been pursuing a central idea, and that is to bring viewers on board the canoe during a voyage through the art of story,” he said.

“In the original

voyage of 1976, it was no easy task.

Filmmakers were shooting on actual film. The canoe was wet and rough, and they didn’t have the tools that we have today to stay dry and warm. Those pioneers were truly on the edge of what was possible as they sailed out into the unknown, unsure of what the journey would bring.”

Anthony said as the years have passed, documenting the canoe’s activity has gotten easier, but still not easy.

“In 2012, when we really started to contemplate what would be possible in storytelling for the voyage we too were looking out into the edge of what was possible. We were tasked with providing daily coverage while out in the deep sea many hundreds of miles from land. It’s still no easy task,” he said.

“The thousands of posts and endless stream of material that went to feed the social media beast that we

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Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa.

On the “Indian Ocean 2015” leg of the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage, Hōkūle‘a crew member Nā‘ālehu Anthony kept a daily journal onboard the canoe giving status updates to those around the world who were following the progress of the voyage.

Anthony wrote this entry on September 12, 2015, as the canoe approached Mauritius.

Nā‘ālehu Anthony

are all familiar with was overshadowed with the task at hand as we finished the voyage, only to be met with a new journey in bringing the entire story of the worldwide voyage into one cohesive piece.

“We had racked up more than 4,000 hours of material and more than enough for 10 films, but what we needed to do was to make one film that tied together the themes of the voyage which included celebrating indigenous culture around the planet as well as bringing forth a new group of navigators who could raise land from the sea as their ancestors had.

“But in the end, we also wanted to make sure that we brought our viewers on board Hōkūle‘a as she sailed to new lands on her 40,000-mile journey.”

Anthony said they had to climb a huge wave to get the movie completed.

“We edited for more than a year and worked our way through countless pages of transcripts and video clips. What we ended up with was a 150-minute film that is now making its own journey around the planet,” he said.

“I’m doing this interview from a hotel room in Idaho before a screening of 750 people tonight and I’m wondering how the canoe story got all the way to this landlocked state?

“I’m only now really starting to realize that the story of the canoe, like it has been for more than a thousand years, is one of connection and wonderment and awe. This story has been reverberating through time and space and finds its way to the smallest islands and most remote communities. The making of this film is just a small part of that and we are honored to have served as the storytellers for this epic journey.”

For the latest on film screenings please visit www.moananuiakea.film.

The Mana of Ho-ku-le ‘a

Aloha all.

As we bring this segment of the worldwide voyage to a close, I want to bring you all with us for the last day before we anticipate sighting Mauritius in the morning.

With just about 90 miles to go at sunset, we’re blessed with the signs or hō‘ailona that tell us that Hōkūle‘a wants to bring her crew to the land we seek, in the old way, without any aid from the “stuff” from the Western world.

We have all worked hard to get this far – some 3,300 miles – and across an ocean that has not seen a vessel like this in centuries. For the first time in the last 28 days, the sweep is down right now, and no one is steering the canoe.

We did our work to trim the sails, but it is clear that Hōkūle‘a knows the way. She sails the course, Noio Ho‘olua, on the ancient star compass, and of course the star directly in front of us is Arcturus or Hōkūle‘a. Again, Hōkūle‘a knows the way.

Everyone expected for the wind to lighten today. We saw at sunrise, as she pushed through the gray into a brilliant set of red fingers stretching through to the heavens, that the wind KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue would turn variable waiting for the dominant system to fill in.

We too searched for a straight path; we put up our big sails and kept at it all day taking any wind we could find. Around 5 p.m. the wind diminished, and we stopped.

The bubbles next to the canoe suggested we might be even sailing backwards. And so, we call for a tow to carry us on, as we know that there are timetables to keep, expectations to be met.

As we took our time to get our sails closed and the tow bridal out of storage an ānuenue, a rainbow,

stretched across the sky from one end to the other. The wind scratched the surface of the water, the sails puffed.

Bruce (Blankenfeld) cancelled the tow to see what might happen, if our fortunes had actually changed.

The warmer northeasterly winds gripped the sails, our hopes too lifted with the opportunity to close out this land sighting without the aid of anything but what nature provides. The wind filled with the exact wind we needed to set our course. The steering became lighter and lighter until we put the blade down and she held the course through the last moments of the day.

The sun set in a flash of green and the wind grew in intensity.

We let her run through that beautiful time as the last glow of the sun gave way to the jewels of the night. The star Hōkūle‘a appeared in front of the bow, to guide us our last night.

The familiar hook above us and the cross spinning slowly alongside of us, but it is Hōkūle‘a here with us tonight that makes this such a special closing to an amazing journey.

The mana of this canoe is undeniable, she sparked a cultural revolution, she reconnected the great nation of Polynesia, and she raised a proud generation of people who will never, ever, be lost again.

We did our work to trim the sails, but it is clear that Hōkūle‘a knows the way. She sails the course, Noio Ho‘olua, on the ancient star compass, and of course the star directly in front of us is Arcturus or Hōkūle‘a. Again, Hōkūle‘a knows the way.

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lot goes through your mind when you send your 12-year-old off to boarding school. What if he gets homesick? What if he gets lonely? What if his study habits suffer?

Līhu‘e parents Stacie and Lee Nishimura imagined plenty of possible scenarios when they applied their son Trevyn to the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama boarding program as a seventh grader last school year.

“His age was definitely the biggest factor,” his mom Stacie Nishimura said.

“In our eyes he was too young to go off and be on his own. He did chores around the house, but there were still a lot of skills we hadn’t taught him.”

During the first two weeks of school, Trevyn said he was terribly homesick. He missed his ‘ohana and friends. He also began to realize how much he relied on his parents – from making sure he got to school on time, to doing his laundry, and even for little things like washing his water bottles.

“When I was accepted to Kamehameha I had lots of mixed feelings,” Trevyn said. “I was happy I got in, but sad because I would have to leave home. I felt really down when I realized I would be here all alone at a new school in a dorm with 20 other kids.

“But Mr. Kekua – our head dorm advisor for Nae‘ole Hale – shared some encouraging words with me on my first night away from my parents, when I was feeling especially low. Over time, I made friends, got settled, and discovered that school here is lots of fun!”

As a former KS student, Scott Kekua KSK’00 is adept at making boarders feel at home on campus. And as an eight-year dorm advisor, he understands how difficult it is for parents to leave their keiki in the care of others.

“This is not an easy decision for families,” Kekua said. “But I tell our ‘ohana that the boarding experience can help students develop independent living skills in a world-class educational environment, preparing them for a successful college and career path. continued on next page

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continued from page 51

“Just as in life, students get out of this program what they put into it. If a student makes a commitment to learn, to grow as a young adult, and to follow the cultural values instilled in our program, they will have a positive and meaningful experience as a boarder. We, as boarding staff, care for the children like our own and we are all working as a team to make sure that they succeed.”

After his first year at KS, there is no denying that Trevyn is succeeding.

He has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and is an active member of the school’s swimming and water polo teams. Kekua said that Trevyn has also become a great leader with high moral character.

“He has really grown as a leader,” Kekua said. “He’s no longer afraid to speak up and has learned to lead by example. He also has compassion for others, understanding that everyone is different, and that mutual respect is key.”

His mother is also amazed at the transformation.

“Being away from your parents and having to do everything on your own really makes you grow up,” she said. “Trevyn has matured into a young man, who is now capable of taking care of himself. We no longer worry if he is wearing clean clothes, if he took a bath, brushed his teeth, or if his room is clean.

“One of the most important skills that he has developed is time management. At the age of 12, he can effectively plan out his days making time for all his responsibilities including classes, homework, chores at the dorm, swim practice, laundry, study hall and dorm activities.

Most kids don’t experience this until they are 18 and enrolled in college.”

Nishimura, like other parents, realizes that those who care for their children deserve a lot of credit.

“The Kamehameha boarding staff is amazing,” she said. “It truly takes a special person to be a dorm advisor. We honestly feel comfortable leaving Trevyn in their care. Our experience has been nothing but positive. The dorm advisors are always more than willing to talk to us about our cares and concerns.

“Mr. Kekua will send us as much email correspondence as he can to keep us in the loop about what is happening at the dorm. If we feel like there is continued on page 55

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The Nishimura family includes mom Stacie, dad Lee, Trevyn and little sister Kiara.

“The Kamehameha boarding staff is amazing. It truly takes a special person to be a dorm advisor. We honestly feel comfortable leaving Trevyn in their care. Our experience has been nothing but positive. The dorm advisors are always more than willing to talk to us about our cares and concerns.”

– Stephanie Nishimura KSK boarding parent

Life as a KSK boarder: saying goodbye to mom, getting ready for school, hitting the classroom (page 52) and relaxing in the dorm room (this page).

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Life as a KSK boarder: practicing with the swim team, relaxing in the lounge, and shooting hoops with the boys (next page).

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continued from page 52

something that we need to address personally, then we call, but for the most part the weekly dorm notes keep us well informed!”

There are two dormitories at the KSK middle school and eight more on the high school campus. Last school year there were 60 boarders at the middle school and roughly 300 at the high school.

Those boarding students come from Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, Ni‘ihau and like Trevyn, from Kaua‘i.

The KS Kapālama Boarding Program provides a home-away-from-home for these haumāna.

Trevyn has some words of advice for those who are on the fence about boarding.

“Don’t be nervous about being a boarder, because here at the dorm it’s like being at home, except with 20 other brothers!” he said. “The dorm advisors are nice, and you get close to the people on your floor, making things even better.

“We also do fun activities in and out of the dorm every weekend. Another reason not to be nervous is that you can check out to see an auntie, uncle, or other family member when you feel like you need your ‘ohana.”

Stacie Nishimura has also learned a lot about what it takes to love and support a child who lives away from home.

“We weathered this year by being organized, planning ahead, and of course, setting rules with Trevyn before he went away to school,” she said. “We asked him to call us every day to check in, and we are thankful that he FaceTimes us every single night before bed.

“We also try to physically see him at least once a month. Our advice to other boarder parents is to save your miles, and book your flights ahead when Hawaiian Airlines has fare specials.

“It takes a great deal of work and sacrifice to keep on top of everything, but at the end of the day, we agree that it’s worth it for the experience and life lessons that Pauahi’s legacy is providing him.”

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Close, Connected and Caring

The KSK Class of 1953 has spent a lifetime saying mahalo to Pauahi for her gift of education

Dudley Makahanaloa, Fred Cachola and Peter Kama of the class of 1953 stand next to the Senior Bench at KS Kapālama, a project their class created.

by Fred Cachola KSK’53 on behalf of the Class of 1953

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n September 1941, just before World War II, we started as a small kindergarten class studying at McNeil Street in lower Kalihi.

Class enrollment increased as fifth- and sixth-graders, as we moved to Bishop Hall – at the original Kamehameha Schools campus at Kaiwi‘ula. In 1947, we moved to Kapālama as the first group of

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seventh-grade boarders – and delighted everyone when the boys won the Junior Division Song Contest, with lessons from Martha Hohu KSK’25 and singing her arrangement of “Ahi Wela.”

As freshmen in 1949, we were a diverse bunch comprised of city slickers from O‘ahu, plantation kids from Kohala, and kua‘āina from isolated villages like Nāhiku in East Maui and Hālawa Valley on Moloka‘i.

We endured traumatic adjustments – like wearing shoes every day with military uniforms – and girls prepping for

daily dress code inspections, and custodial assignments for all the buildings and grounds on campus.

We had no full-time custodians, but our buildings were clean and the campus spotless.

Our class was small, maybe a little more than 160 students, but a large group came from orphaned and indigent families and were blessed to be at Kamehameha with scholarships and financial aid from our two beloved aunties – Pauahi and Lili‘uokalani.

This was truly an era when we

pledged ourselves to “…strive to honor her name, where ever we may be.” And we dedicated ourselves to become “… good and industrious men and women.”

In 1953, we graduated, eager to face the challenges of the world.

But in reality, we never left Kamehameha. Our spirit of aloha for Pauahi remained and endured with our robust participation at alumni events, with a well-endowed perpetual class scholarship and ideas for more gifts to Pauahi to come.

Our aloha for Pauahi started before graduation when we funded the first “Senior Bench” on campus, still to be found at its original location outside Bishop Hall. It continued at our first reunion in 1963 when we established our small group as a dedicated alumni force to concentrate our limited resources to mahalo Pauahi.

We proudly call ourselves “Nā Pua Mae‘ole o Kamehameha” – the never

Class members with donations made to the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel.

fading flowers of Kamehameha. Indeed, during the past 67 years, we never faded in our camaraderie as classmates and our mahalo to Pauahi.

For years we reconnected at bi-monthly luncheons and recently reviewed the I Mua magazine article (Winter 2019) titled “Building a Culture of Giving.” That started a lively discussion about our contributions to our beloved Kamehameha Schools.

It’s been a while since we started with our “Senior Bench” project in 1953; KaloHeart_Fill_CMYK_DkBlue but we’ve done much more. Here’s what we remember.

We’ve donated three portraits of mō‘ī wahine, commissioned to our classmate David Parker KSK’53. The paintings of Kekāuluohi and Keōpūolani can be found in the dormitories that bear their names, and Ruth Ke‘elikōlani is in the auditorium that has been named after her.

In 1986, we commissioned master woodworker Wright Bowman Sr. KSK’28 to construct 13 pieces of furnishings for the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel. These included a koa pulpit and lectern; six koa chairs; a kamani baptismal font with a milo bowl; a kauwila covering on the altar; two ‘ōhi‘a candelabra; and the unique sandalwood cross – probably the largest sandalwood piece in Hawai‘i.

And at our 60th reunion in 2013, we donated $22,000 to establish an endowed scholarship administered by Pauahi Foundation; more donations followed at our 65th reunion in 2018 and currently the scholarship fund has accumulated nearly $40,000.

Today, as 83-year-old ‘elemakulē, we’re not pau yet, we’re certainly not fading, and we already have mahalo gifts we’re considering for Pauahi come our 70th reunion in 2023.

The class has donated several portraits that hang in campus dormitories.

“Nā Pua Mae‘ole o Kamehameha” will continue to be alumni who “nobly stand, and proudly serve our own, our fatherland” and we encourage the next generation of alumni to nurture and extend their comradery and compassion for Kamehameha Schools and our beloved Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

We proudly called ourselves “Nā Pua Mae‘ole o Kamehameha” – the never fading flowers of Kamehameha. Indeed, during the past 67 years, we never faded in our camaraderie as classmates and our mahalo to Pauahi.

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ka nūhou o nā papa class news

Keeping it Pono

1940s

by Pono Ma‘a KSK’82 Interim Director of Advancement and Executive Director of the Pauahi Foundation

n Retired Judge William Fernandez KSK’49 was recognized for his contributions to the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Association Northern California region at the 2019 Song Contest viewing party at Kaua‘i’s Troy’s Karaoke Bar in Līhu‘e in March. Bill is a past president of the region. He was also recognized as a published author of nine books, novels and nonfiction memoirs from the perspective of a Native Hawaiian. Bill and wife Judy are enjoying island life in Kapa‘a.

1960s

Aloha mai kākou, Nurturing our keiki along their educational journey of becoming future leaders is at the forefront of all we do. However, from time to time, it is our haumāna who end up teaching us how to be servant leaders with their pure aloha for others in the community.

That was the case last May when I was invited to the Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i campus to be presented with a check for $4,000 from our elementary school students. The funds were raised through the school’s annual Pennies for Pauahi campaign – a student-led donation drive where our K-5 students collect loose change to help fund post-high scholarships at the Pauahi Foundation.

To spice up this year’s campaign, the elementary school’s ‘Aha ‘Ōpio Student Leadership Group added some friendly competition among classrooms to see who could collect the most funds in weight. At the end of the campaign, there were two winners – one class from the second grade and another from fourth grade. In total, our elementary school students brought in 769 pounds of coins.

n Mahealani Perez-Wendt KSK’65 was featured on PBS Hawai‘i’s “Long Story Short” television show hosted by Leslie Wilcox in March. She was recognized for her years of service as the executive director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, and her work insuring native rights especially in the areas of land and water. n In August 2018, Dr. Edward Kame‘enui KSK’66 retired from the University of Oregon where he served as dean-knight professor in the College of Education since 1987. During his career, Ed was a professor at Purdue University and the University of Montana, co-authored 20 college textbooks, published more than 200 articles, including writing for 100 research publications and 50 book chapters, directed more than $80 million in federal and private research grants, worked in the U.S. Department of Education, and spoke at the White House. He also served on the original

This kind gesture by our haumāna is the true definition of kahiau and serves as a reminder that everyone can affect positive change.

It is both humbling and inspiring to witness this firsthand.

Their impact today will grow exponentially 10-plus years from now as they continue to develop into the kanaka leaders who will help uplift our entire lāhui.

KS Hawai‘i students collect Pennies for Pauahi.

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Dancine Baker Takahashi KSK’79 (center), associate director of alumni relations, presents Bill and Judy Fernandez with a KS alumni pillow.

ka nūhou o nā papa

advisory boards for the PBS television shows “Between the Lions” and WETATV’s “Reading Rockets.” n “It won’t be the same without U” was the theme for KSK 1968’s 50th reunion in June 2018 when they celebrated Alumni Week. Connie Uale Warrington and helpers honored 60 classmates with a Memorial Wall and display. Class of 1968 received the Judge’s Choice Award for their Taste of Kamehameha entry prepared by Julie Kaupu, Maile Aki Harris and helpers. Wearing striking berry-colored shirts and gold lei at Talent Night, the class honored Ke Ali‘i Pauahi singing “Nou e Pauahi” written

by E. Kaipo Hale, winning the beautiful trophy for Best Choral Performance.

Mainland classmates presented a special makana for Hawai‘i classmates at Class Night. Class of 1968 will continue their celebration in Utah in October 2019 and on Kaua‘i in October 2020.

1970s

n Superior Court Judge Ellen Kalama Clark KSK’74 retired from the bench in December 2018. She served Spokane County for 25 years. Ellen started her career as

Superior Court Judge Ellen Kalama Clark

“Pōmai Duets…” by N. Pōmaika‘i Brown.

dozen classics, the album is an intimate recording featuring just two voices and a piano played by Dan Del Negro, who also shared arranging duties with Pōmai. The album includes numerous Hawaiian music legends such as Danny Kaleikini, Marlene Sai KSK’59, Gary Aiko, Wehilani Ching, Pudgie Young, Gary Haleamau, Hiram Olsen, Kaipo Asing, Elaine Ako Spencer, Sam Kapu, Jr., Ocean Kaowili KSK’79 and others.

The album made the final ballot for the 2019 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards in the “Most Promising Artist” category.

a court commissioner in 1993 and was appointed to the Superior Court in 1999 by former Washington Gov. Gary Locke.

Ellen’s retirement was featured in an article in “The Spokesman-Review.” She is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i where she majored in English and then earned her law degree from Gonzaga University. Ellen is known as a huge fan and supporter of the Gonzaga basketball program.

n Stacy Pahia KSK’79 was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2004. In 2011, at just 8 percent of kidney function, she was surgically introduced to peritoneal dialysis. Finally, on Oct. 5, 2018, after many hopes and prayers, the transplant team from University of California San Francisco found a match for her. On Oct. 7, 2018, she was blessed with a donor’s kidney, and is grateful to her donor for the gift of life.

n N. Pōmaika‘i Brown KSK’79 released his first album, “Pōmai Duets - At the Piano with Legendary Friends,” an album inspired by his own Hawaiian music heroes. Pōmai spent 40-plus years as a singer, actor, emcee and multi-instrumentalist in the Hawai‘i entertainment industry. A collection of more than a

1980s

n Kevin Winston KSK’81 is currently pursuing a master of liberal arts at Stanford University.

Kevin Winston

Class of 1968 50th Reunion Alumni Week 2018.

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n As a member of Team USA, Larry Brede KSK’84 finished 28th out of 96 participants in his age group at the Triathlon World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia, in September 2018.

Michael Spencer, Ph.D

D. Noelani Arista

n Michael Spencer KSK’83 is a professor in social work and the director of Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Oceanic Affairs at the University of Washington (UW) Indigenous Wellness Research Institute. He received his doctorate in social welfare from UW in 1996. Prior to his return to UW, Mike served as the Fedele F. Fauri collegiate professor of Social Work and associate dean for Educational Programs at the University of Michigan. His research examines health and wellness among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders and is focused on interventions that promote health among Native Hawaiians through indigenous practices and values.

Currently, his funded research examines the added benefit of integrating Native Hawaiian healers into primary care in Waimānalo, O‘ahu. He also works with colleagues at the University of Hawai‘i to promote food security and well-being through the use of backyard aquaponics systems in Waimānalo among Native Hawaiians. He is a fellow of the Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.

n Since 2016, Dr. Bradley Hope KSK’84, has been the medical director at American Indian Health and Services, a community clinic that serves the underserved in Santa Barbara, California.

Over the past 10 years, Brad has participated in local Native Chumash cultural activities utilizing his medical expertise on Limuw Island during their annual camping “village” with about 200 natives in celebration of the Channel Tomol (Chumash canoe) crossings. Brad has participated in sweat lodges, fire ceremonies, and an event called GONA (Gathering of Native Americans) over recent years. His daughter is currently at UH Mānoa and he will be celebrating his 24th wedding anniversary this year with his wife Janette Harbottle Hope. Brad

USA triathlete Larry Brede celebrates in Australia with wife Sarah (far left) and parents Claire and Dr. Larry Brede KSK’61 (second from right).

Five alumni from KS Kapālama recently received their Fire and Environmental Emergency Response (FEER) program associate of science degrees from Honolulu Community College. Their final objective was meeting the requirements of Fire 280A and Fire 280B. This capstone course consisted of 16 weeks of online academic lessons and testing followed by two eight-hour days of performance training and testing.

Pictured at the graduation ceremony are: (front row, from left) Drillmaster Koa Gonsalves KSK’02, Nathan Utu KSK’17, Drillmaster Rob McGrath KSM’06; (back row) Drillmaster Earle Kealoha KSK’75, Dane Trevathan KSK’17, Cheyne Cluney KSK’17, Jace Ilae KSK’17 and

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n D. Noelani Arista KSK’86 recently published her first book titled “The Kingdom and the Republic: Sovereign Hawai‘i and the Early United States.”

Noelani is an associate professor of Hawaiian and U.S. history at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. n In March 2019, Joseph Dwight KSK’88 was promoted to senior vice president and managing director for First American Title Insurance Company overseeing the Southwest Region: Arizona, California, and Hawai‘i. This region consists of 1,200 employees spread across 126 offices. Joseph was previously the president of the Hawai‘i subsidiary. n Bella Finau-Faumuina KSK’89 received the 2019 Teacher of Promise Award from the National Milken Educators of Hawai‘i. Bella was selected for her work with Kāne‘ohe Elementary’s Innovation Academy – an experimental school-within-a-school that provides inclusive learning experiences for students with disabilities. As part of the award, she received a $1,000 check from Hawai‘iUSA Federal Credit Union.

1990s

Alumni firefighters pass the test

Colby Jardin KSK’17.

recently took up hockey but his favorite exercise is hiking and trail running in the Los Padres National Forest.

n A 15-year veteran of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement and 27-year law enforcement professional, Jason Redulla KSK’90 was selected as the agency’s

ka nūhou o nā papa

new enforcement chief. Jason leads a team of more than 100 officers charged with enforcing natural and cultural resource laws, as well as educating people how to act and behave in a pono fashion in Jason Redulla relation to Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources. n Derek Leighnor KSK’90 and husband Simon Flores recently returned to San Francisco from Southern California.

Derek is now the executive director of the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning – an educational nonprofit working out of the University of San Francisco that provides students 50 years or older with classes in fine arts, sciences and humanities taught by retired university faculty.

Rather than offering grades, exams, and course credit, students enroll in the program for the sake of learning. n Heather Rosehill-Briseno KSK’91 was recently appointed director of The Kona Paradise Club, a psychosocial rehabilitation program for adults with mental illness. She was also the recipient of Mental Health of America’s 2019 Mahalo Award for Outstanding Consumer Advocate. n On April 29, 2019, Jennifer Noelani Goodyear-Kā‘opua KSK’92 received two major honors at the UH Mānoa awards ceremony – a ceremony that recognizes its faculty, staff and students with various teaching, research and service awards. Noe, who is an associate professor and chair in the Department of Political Science, received the Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching and the Dr. Amefil “Amy” Agbayani Faculty Diversity Enhancement Award. n Jonathan Fong KSK’96 is the owner of Pineapple Palaka – a clothing company that produces luxury neckwear including neckties and scarves. The company’s neckwear is available at Nordstrom, Aulani and other hotels throughout Hawai‘i. The locally designed products are unique because of the palaka pattern in the design. Jonathan is also a volunteer assistant coach for the KS Kapālama High School water polo team.

Warriors connect at Da Cove Alumni came together for some healthy mea ‘ai, pilina and ‘ike at a Warrior Networking event held at Da Cove in March at the Ka Makani Ali‘i Shopping Center in Kapolei, O‘ahu. The gathering was hosted in collaboration with the KS Community Engagement & Resources ‘Ewa Region and the KS Alumni Relations Office. In addition to the food and opportunities to network, alumni learned about the KS partnership with the Blue Zone Project – a initiative focused on helping people live longer and better through behavior change and community transformation programs.

2000s

n As school director, R. Kawika Chun KSK’02 will be opening a new school, Equitas Academy, within the charter school network in Los Angeles, Calif. Kawika received his bachelor’s in communications and master’s in teaching from the University of Southern California. He joins the Equitas team with 12 years of education experience in Memphis, Tenn., and Los Angeles combined. Most recently, Kawika worked at Aspire Coleman Elementary and Middle School in Memphis where he was the assistant principal of grades three to eight. He started with Aspire back in 2009, working within the organization as a teacher, lead teacher, founding intervention specialist and instructional coach. n Dr. Lelemia Irvine KSK’03 successfully defended his dissertation in civil and environmental engineering at UH Mānoa on Nov. 19, 2018. His dissertation is entitled “Predictive theoretical and

computational approaches for characterizing an engineered bioswale systems performance.” n In January 2019, Rachel Kippen KSK‘03 was appointed executive director of the California based nonprofit O’Neill Sea Odyssey, which was founded in 1996 by legendary wetsuit innovator

From left, Graduate Chair Dr. Albert S. Kim, sister Aliah Irvine, Dr. Lelemia Irvine and mom Jamie Irvine celebrate the defense of Lelemia’s doctoral dissertation.

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ka nūhou o nā papa

Brandon and Skye Narvaez with keiki Madison, Moroni and Matthew.

Dr. C. Mālia Purdy

Jack O’Neill. The company has provided free, ocean-going science and sustainability education for more than 102,000 youth in Monterey Bay. Rachel is a coastal environmental advocate and artist with a background in public program development and nonprofit management in Santa Cruz, Calif. She joins O’Neill Sea Odyssey with a local understanding of environmental education priorities and stormwater program design based on her experience as director of programs at ocean advocacy nonprofit Save Our Shores. Kippen’s background also includes experience increasing public accessibility to complex science and conservation research at the California Academy of Sciences and work as a marine science educator at the Marine Science Institute on San Francisco Bay, CSU Monterey Bay, and Catalina Island Marine Institute. Kippen holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, and has focused her graduate research

PacWest Hoopsters KS Kapālama alumni Wayne Coito

KSK’01, Todd Apo KSK’84 and Bill Villa KSK’71 connected in March 2019 at the 2019 PacWest Conference Basketball Championships in San Rafael, California.

All three are heavily involved in PacWest Conference athletics – Wayne is the host of the sports television show PacWest Magazine, Todd is a longtime basketball official, and Bill is the athletic director at Chaminade University.

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Rachel Patrick with sons Kana‘i KSM’31 and ‘Imiloa KSM’28

in environmental justice education through place and arts-based curriculum development, primarily in agricultural and immigrant communities. n Jeanne Milam KSK’03 was promoted to director of customer insights at Salesforce in August 2018. Salesforce is a large tech company based in San Francisco, Calif. In January 2019, Jeanne was honored as a Greenbook Research Industry Trend Future List Honoree for her work at Salesforce as an emerging leader in the insights and market research field. n Louis Santos KSK’03 was recently promoted to nuclear welding engineer at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. He graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s College of Engineering in 2009.

Kody Kekoa receives his wings from flight school at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas.

n Adam Tanga KSK’06 was named senior advisor to Congressman Gregorio Sablan, who represents the Northern Mariana Islands in the U.S. House of Representatives. In this role, he advises on a range of federal policy issues including education in the congressman’s capacity as the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education and a member of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment subcommittee. Adam previously served as a legislative aide to the late Senator Daniel K. Akaka KSK’42 and most recently to Senator Mazie K. Hirono where he worked on foreign affairs, trade, aviation, tourism, and veterans’ education and health policy. n Since graduating, Skye Caraloc Narvaez KSH’06 married Brandon Narvaez in March 2013 and together they have been blessed with three keiki, Madison, Moroni, and Matthew. Skye graduated with her liberal arts associate’s degree in spring 2017 from UH Hilo.

She is currently pursuing a communications degree and educational studies certificate at UH Hilo. Skye is currently holding a 4.0 GPA and has plans to graduate by fall 2019. Her future plans include enrolling into the Master of Arts in Teaching Program at UH Hilo in Summer 2020. n Dr. C. Mālia Purdy KSM’07 defended her doctoral dissertation for her Ph.D. in public health at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa on April 29, 2019. Her dissertation evaluates a post-baccalaureate medical education program for disadvantaged students to diversify the healthcare workforce in Hawai‘i.

ka nūhou o nā papa

U‘ilani Tanigawa Lum and Zachary Lum celebrating her graduation from the William S. Richardson School of Law.

Kylie Watson

n Rachel Patrick KSM’08 graduated from the University of Hawai‘i – Maui College on May 9, 2019, with an Associate of Science Degree in nursing.

She was the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award in the nursing program. n Casey Kusaka KSK’09 is the general manager of Californios, a fine dining Mexican restaurant in the Mission District of San Francisco Chef Casey Kusaka that has received two Michelin stars.

Casey is also building a following for his own restaurant called Oji – a popup restaurant featuring contemporary Japanese American cuisine. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York, he began his career in food by working in the restaurant industry in New York City.

2010s

n Kody Kekoa KSK’10 received his pilot wings on March 8, 2019. He was pinned by sister, Lt. Jg. Kiana Kekoa KSK’12, mother Janice and father Kevin Kekoa KSK’77. Other family members present included Curtis Kekoa, Jr. KSK’67.

Kody will fly the HC-144 Ocean Sentry from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, for the next four years. Kiana will be stationed in the Arabian Gulf as executive officer aboard the Coast Guard cutter Maui as part of the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA). Based in Bahrain, PATFORSWA is the largest Coast Guard unit outside the US. n Kylie Watson, KSM’10 graduated with a master’s in veterinary biomedical

Marlene Sai, Iokepa Command , Sen. Dru Kanuha and Tonga Hopoi.

science from Lincoln Memorial University in Harratoga, Tenn. Kylie completed her undergraduate work at the University of Oregon. n Anela U‘ilani Tanigawa Lum KSM’10 graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i on May 12, 2019.

U‘ilani’s postgraduate work focused on Native Hawaiian law and environmental law. n Iokepa Command KSK’11 joined Marlene Sai KSK’59, and Tonga Hopoi as legislative aides to freshman state Sen. Dru Kanuha, Kona-Ka‘ū. Iokepa, a 2015 political science graduate of Humboldt State in Arcata, Calif., was born and raised in the coffee fields of ma uka Kona and followed his dad, Bobby, executive assistant to former Hawai‘i County Mayor Billy Kenoi, into politics. n Trey Kodama KSK’12, received his Master’s of Business Administration Degree from Chaminade University on May 13, 2019. Trey is also a graduate of Pacific University. n Iwalani Kaaa KSM’13 recently received her Bachelor of Science degree

Iwalani Kaaa

Kyle Cadiz

Trey Kodama gets his MBA from Chaminade.

in geography: geospatial science and technology with a minor in Arabic from Brigham Young University-Provo. n In December 2018, Dayson Alip KSH’15 graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz., with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and business analytics. He currently resides in Phoenix and works as an information technology application support, assisting with an organizational wide launch of Office 365. n Kyle Cadiz KSM’15 graduated from the University of Portland with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

Kyle works as a business office student assistant with University of Portland athletics. n On May 11, 2019, Kelsey Ota KSM’15 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and sustainability studies with a minor in tourism and leisure planning from the University of Northern Arizona. Kelsey is planning to intern with AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America at the University of Hawai‘i – Maui College.

Kelsey Ota

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Kūle‘a Pelekai-Wai and ‘ohana

n On May 3, 2019, Kylyn Fernandez KSM ’15 graduated from Dixie State University with a bachelor’s in information technology with an emphasis in software Kylyn Fernandez development. n Joshua Higa KSM’15 graduated from Pacific University on May 18, 2019, with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies.

Josh Higa

n Kūle‘a PelekaiWai KSK’15 celebrated his graduation from the University of Nevada Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting on May 18, 2019. Joining the celebration were uncle Ka‘imi Pelekai KSK’96, brother Kālena Pelekai-Wai KSK’08, brother-in-law Akila Lucrisia KSK’98, sister Naleisha Pelekai-Wai Lucrisia KSK’03, and niece ‘Aulani Lucrisia KSK’27. n Kalena Tamashiro KSM’15 received her bachelor’s in elementary education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa on May 11, 2019. n On May 18, 2019, Lahela Yuen KSK’15 received a bachelor’s in mathematics from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. Lahela was recognized as magna cum laude earning all the rights and privileges, and honor of the degree.

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Leis for Lahela Yuen.

Kalena Tamashiro

n John Kauhola KSK’17 is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in food business management from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, N.Y., and fulfilling a dream of becoming a chef. He expects to graduate in April 2020. His studies have allowed him to build his baking, pastry and pantry chef skills while learning all aspects of restaurant management. Previously, he earned his associate’s degree in occupational studies in culinary arts from CIA in March 2019 where he served a 15-week externship at Roy’s Ko Olina.

Culinary Institute of America graduate John Kauhola

n Tyson Haupu KSM’18 received an academic subject certificate in Hawaiian studies from the University of Hawai‘i – Maui College on May 9, 2019. Tyson will be finishing up his Tyson Haupu associate’s degree in liberal arts and Hawaiian studies then plans to transfer to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in the fall of 2019.

Alumni volunteers assist with Educational Fair In January 2019, KS’ Community Engagement & Resources ‘Ewa Region held its Honouliuli Educational Fair at Island Pacific Academy’s Kapolei campus. The event, which featured over 20 organizations, offered free educational resources to Native Hawaiian families, and included a handful of alumni volunteers.

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Front row, from left: Louise Seymour Wilmes KSK’71, Kanani Fernadez Ing KSK’61, Lynette Fernandez Doorley KSK’62, Marion Among Merrill KSK’67. Middle row: Vawn Borges KSK’06, Lisa Castro Marquoit KSK’90, Vice President Michelle Apo Duchateau KSK’75, President Christine Nakagawa Ladd KSK’70, Helen Kalama KSK’70, Brant Crabbe KSK’73. Back row, from left: Treasurer Aaron Helenihi KSK’91, Treasurer Erma Hennessey Hoffman KSK’73, Director Anita Range Camarillo KSK’67, Director Diane Lindo Kintz KSK’74, Donna Ching KSK’73, Cheryl Robins KSK’75, David Kaho‘ilua KSK’86, Robin Ing Boehm KSK’59, Leslie Ing KSK’61.

KSAA Oregon and Southwest Washington Celebrate Founder’s Day

by President Christine Nakagawa Ladd KSK’70

M

ore than 40 alumni and friends of KSAA Oregon and SW Washington gathered on February 2, 2019, to honor and celebrate our founder, Princess Bernice Pauahi.

The celebration began with a social hour and pupu including poke, sushi and dim sum. Members from all decades attended, from the class of ’59 thru ’06 present. No matter what decade was represented, conversations were easy. We have all been touched by the legacy of our princess, the common thread that connects us.

After an hour of reconnecting, we moved into the Lodge Hall for our program.

It began with Troy Helenihi blowing the pū, followed by a beautiful oli by Haunani Kalama KSK’70. We sang our songs. Proverbs and excerpts from Pauahi’s will were read. We watched the video, “The Legacy of a Princess” to remind us of the wonderful gift bestowed upon us, as well as kuleana that goes hand in hand with the gift.

David “Kawika” Kahoilua KSK’86, owner of Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille Restaurant in Portland, was our first guest speaker. He entered KS in the seventh grade and spoke about understanding the importance of his roots, how proud he is to be Hawaiian, how proud he is to be a KS graduate and our kuleana to continue to preserve our unique Hawaiian culture.

Our second speaker was Troy Helenihi, 14, son of Aaron ’91 and Mari Helenihi.

Raised on the mainland, he had the opportunity to attend Kamehameha’s Summer Exploration Series. He shared what he learned about his culture, but more importantly he learned more about himself each year. With each successive program, Troy shared a very emotional and moving story of how he began to understand what being Hawaiian meant.

Filled with emotion Troy continued to express himself. His emotions said it all.

There was not a dry eye in the audience, as we were all overcome with emotion.

He reminded all of us to remember what it is to be Hawaiian and how privileged we are to have been touched by our princess, and the importance of passing on her legacy to the next generation. (See related story on page 40.)

The day concluded with a pā‘ina and general membership meeting.

“What’s happening at KS” Served daily.

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nā hali‘a aloha births

Mahina Cumpston Sayin KSK’03 and Lucas Sayin welcomed son Kūpa‘akamana‘o Lucas Alan on July 30, 2018. Proud relatives include grandmother Joni Yee Cumpston KSK’75, uncle and godfather Kainoa Cumpston KSK’08 and godmother Jessica Dubrovin Paiva KSK’03. He joins sisters Ke‘alohilani (7) and Kekaimālie (4), pictured above.

n Kaipo and Cassie-Ann Ching Bush KSK’03 welcomed daughter CammieAnn Ku‘uleialohaleimakamae on March 18, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif.

Kaumana and Courtney with son John Rindlisbacher

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n Kaumana Rindlisbacher KSM’10 and wife Courtney welcomed son John Kapena on Oct. 2, 2018. John’s ‘ohana includes grandparents Fred and Francine Kam Rindlisbacher KSK’80 and proud aunties and uncles Kauluwehi Rindlisbacher KSM’12, Mikela Rindlisbacher KSM’13, Keawe Rindlisbacher KSM’15, and Keanu Rindlisbacher KSM’20. John and his ‘ohana currently reside in Herriman, Utah. n Raelen Self Bajet KSK’00 and Brannan Bajet welcomed their fourth child Bravynn on Nov. 14, 2018.

Bravynn’s older siblings are sister Raeanna (7) and brothers Trevynn (6) and Brannan (3). Raelen is a kumu assistant at Nā Kula Kamali‘i ‘o Kamehameha ma Kapālama.

n Emma Koa KSK’12 and Blake McNeeley welcomed daughter ‘Ōwena Hinaikapala‘ā Kawaiakāne on Dec. 4, 2018. n Daniel Grant Johnson KSH’12 and Julianne Grant-Johnson are proud parents of Lilly Makana Grant Johnson born on Feb. 10, 2019. n Jeremy Bice and Taira Grance Bice KSK’02 welcomed daughter Aria Kaheanani on Dec. 10, 2018. The couple has another daughter Aurelia (2). n Arvid Holmberg and Ho‘ola‘i Tjorvatjoglou KSK’06 welcomed child Stellan Antonios Kala‘i on Feb. 1, 2019.

Proud family includes great grandparents Paul Burns KSK’54 and G. Kanoe Nahulu Burns KSK’54, grandparents Antonios Tjorvatjoglou and Jan Burns

nā hali‘a aloha

KSK’79, Aunty A. Kanoe Tjorvatjoglou Cup Choy KSK’08 and uncles Danny Cup Choy KSK’00, Kekoa Burns KSK’76, Kahikina Burns KSK’81 and Kunane Burns KSK’86. n Kristen Wong KSK’11 and Keanu Haina KSK’11 welcomed their daughter Kallie-Marie on Sept. 19, 2018. Kallie’s grandmother is KS staff member Pilialoha Wong. n Brett Borinstein and Kamalei Warrington Borinstein KSM’13 welcomed daughter Kaia Bea on April 14, 2019. Proud family includes grandparents Wendell Warrington KSK’74 (deceased), Holly Warrington Lima, Bill and Pam Borinstein; Aunty Natalie Warrington KSM’18; and uncles Kaea Warrington KSM’11, Keoni Warrington KSM’17 and Quincy Warrington KSM’18.

Cammie-Ann Bush

Bajet siblings, Raeanna, Trevynn, Brannan and Bravynn.

‘Ōwena McNeeley

Sisters Aria and Aurelia Bice

Stellan Holmberg

Kallie-Marie Haina

n Singer and songwriter Kimie Miner KSK’03 and Makamae DeSoto welcomed their daughter ‘Ōmealani Kawelokiliwehi on Feb. 23, 2018. Kimie released a lullaby album on May 24, 2019. n On May 11, 2019, Charlotte Kekai Dafun was born to Kenwell Alika Dafun KSK‘03 and Rasell Moanikeala-Cooper Dafun in Anacortes, Washington.

Charlotte is the granddaughter of Gretchen Ferreira Dafun KSK’72.

Kaia Borinstein

Lilly Makana Grant-Johnson with parents Daniel and Julianne Grant-Johnson

Miner-DeSoto ‘ohana

Charlotte Dafun

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nā hali‘a aloha weddings

Kekoa Taparra KSK’08 and Katriana Nugent were married on Jan. 30, 2019.

Their wedding party included sister Kiane Taparra Bergeron KSK’06 and best man K. Kauanoe Batangan KSM’08. Kekoa currently works as a physician at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.

n Karlel Crowley KSK’99 and Stuart Tavis Dixon were married on Aug. 27, 2018 by Kahu Kordell Kekoa KSK’80.

n Teressa Medeiros KSK’01 and Bertrand Noury were married on Sept. 16, 2018. The brides ‘ohana are grandmother Martha Van Gieson McNicoll KSK’54, parents Timothy G.H. Medeiros Jr. KSK’80 and Vanessa McNicoll Medeiros KSK’80, uncle Charles McNicoll III KSK’86, and aunties Deneen McNicoll KSK’82 and Nadine McNicoll Jacang KSK’88. n Tiana Kuni KSK’07 and Riki Yoshida were married on Oct. 6, 2018, in Waimānalo, O‘ahu. Bridal party included alumni Caitlin Kaopuiki Fujiwara KSK’06 and Nicolas Lum KSK’12.

Stuart Dixon and Karlel Crowley

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n Jordan Oshiro KSK’08 and Dr. Kacie Ho were married on March 17, 2019, at Sunset Ranch in Pūpūkea, O‘ahu. Jordan is a biology kumu at KS Kapālama and Kacie is an professor of food science at UH Mānoa. Family and friends in attendance included the groom’s mother Colette Bray Oshiro KSK’74, Robert Cunningham KSK’08, Charmaine Mokiao KSK’08, Kau‘i Awong KSK’08, Nathan Nakatsuka KSK’08, Jacob Oda KSK’07, and Kyle Dahlin KSK’09. n Lamar De Rego KSK’09 and Hanalei Carter KSH’07 were married on March 23, 2019, in Waimea, Hawai‘i. They now reside in Waimea.

nā hali‘a aloha

n Nadia Le‘i KSK’09 and Luamata Tagaloa were married at Hale Nānea, Kualoa Ranch, on March 29, 2019. The bridal party included Amy Bumatai KSK’09, Kealohi Serrao KSK’09 and Kelly Opedal KSK’09. Nadia and Luamata now reside in California. n Eli Ferreira KSM’10 and Katelyn Perryman KSM’10 were married on Jan. 19, 2019, at Kamehameha Schools Maui campus’ Keōpūolani Hale. Parents of the

bride are Thomas and Jade Eldredge Perryman KSK’87 and parents of the groom are Everett Ferreira KSK’73 and Carolyn Kaui Ferreira KSK’74.

Bridal party included Connor Kihune KSM’10, Cameron Yip KSM’10, Blake Lau KSM’10, Christian Lum KSM’10, Everett Ferreira Jr., G. Kainoa Perryman KSM’08, Keli Hayase KSM’10, Cayla Morimoto KSM’10, Kamalei Batangan KSM’14, Seth Sullivan, Taylor Atwood and Liz Perryman. Currently residing

Bertand Noury and Welolani Medeiros

Newlyweds Lamar De Rego and Hanalei Carter

Luamata and Nadia Le‘i Tagaloa

Riki Yoshida and Tiana Yoshida

in Kahului, Maui, Eli is a Maui Fire Department firefighter and Katelyn is an Alaska Airlines flight attendant. n Ensign Daniel Grant Johnson KSH’12, United States Naval Academy Class of 2017, is in officer training in Pensacola, Florida, striving to get his pilot wings.

Dan married Julianne Lewis on Sept. 22, 2018.

Eli Ferreira and Katie Perryman celebrate their wedding on the KS Maui campus.

Newlyweds Ensign Daniel Grant Johnson KSH’12 and Julianne Lewis .

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nā hali‘a aloha obituaries

1935

1948

1941

n Albert Hollis Silva Sr. passed away on March 19, 2019. He has been recognized for the community work he has done in the ‘ahupua‘a of Wai‘anae. Through his family ranch, ‘Ōhikilolo, Albert was known for his annual Mother’s Day ranch-branding and lū‘au. In 2012, he received the U.S. Army-Pacific Mana O Ke Koa “Spirit of the Warrior” award, recognizing active community leaders who embody the “warrior ethos.” Known for his selfless spirit of aloha, he was a representative for the Class of 1948 – the “Great 48.”

n Virginia Wo Ohumukini of Honolulu, passed away on Jan. 27, 2019. Virginia was born in South Kona, Hawai‘i.

n William Amona of Honolulu passed away on Oct. 12, 2018. Raised in Kalihi, he was an accomplished student leader, student newspaper editor and athlete.

William graduated from University of Hawai‘i and earned a law degree from University of Michigan. He served as an ‘Ewa District Court judge, Honolulu city councilman and was an attorney in private practice. n Violet Ku‘ulei Palama Ihara, of Honolulu passed away on Jan. 3, 2019.

Born on Kaua‘i, she completed her master’s degree in education at Ohio State University. She then took a special placement at the Bishop Museum as the state Department of Education liaison teacher, where she remained for over 40 years until her retirement. Violet was an educational advisor to the Hōkūle‘a, Hawai‘iloa and Hikianalia, and was part of the Northwest Alaska and West Coast tours in 1995. She was also present for the opening of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian in 2004.

1943

n Gertrude Miller Graves of Encinitas, Calif., passed away on July 11, 2018.

She was born in Honolulu and resided in California for over 50 years.

1944

n Flora Beamer Solomon, a fourth-generation hula loea, died on Feb. 8, 2019.

She started dancing hula at age 5, and by her teens, was working with her mother at the Beamer Hula Studio in Waikīkī. In addition, she was a member of a professional dance team that was featured at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Moana Hotel and Queen’s Surf. Flora was the Hawai‘i chairwoman of Aloha Week for 18 years and was a founding committee member of the Merrie Monarch Festival hula competition. n Edith Rabideau Wassman passed away on Oct. 19, 2018. Born in Kahuku, O‘ahu, she was employed by Sears for over 30 years.

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n Miriam Cockett Deering of Las Vegas, Nev., passed on Dec. 3, 2018. Miriam was a lifelong teacher.

n Ray K. Stone of Honolulu passed away on April 14, 2019. He was an active member of the Elks Club.

1950

n Robert Kauhane passed away in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, on Jan. 19, 2019. Born in Hāna, Maui, he retired from the United States Air Force as a non-commissioned officer after serving 22 years. Robert also retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Honolulu after 20 years of service. n Hartwell Lee Loy of Honolulu passed away on Jan. 29, 2019. Born in Hilo, he served in various leadership roles within the Hawai‘i State Department of Education. For over 10 years, Hartwell served as a representative for the class of 1950.

1952

n Herberta Wilson Kalai of Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, died on Oct. 14, 2018. Herberta was born in Kalama‘ula, Moloka‘i. n David S. Kapepa passed away on Feb. 27, 2019, at home in Kailua, O‘ahu. David served in the Army in the Panama Canal Zone. After graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University, he taught in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. David was a dedicated and well-loved teacher in Hawai‘i for over 35 years. He was asked to write one of four books – “A Canoe for Uncle Kila” – for the Polynesian Voyaging Society commemorating their maiden voyage of 1976. He was a

recipient of the Ke Kukui Mālamalama award for his outstanding contribution to Hawaiian education by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in 1997.

1954

n Patrick L. M. Kawakami of Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, passed away on Oct. 8, 2018.

Patrick retired as a pipefitter general foreman from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. n Leroy L. M. Mollena, of Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i, passed away on Dec. 30, 2018 at his home. n Caroline K. Kauahikaua Ponce passed away on Jan. 21, 2019. After high school, Caroline joined the Air Force and was stationed at Eglin AFB in Florida. For 30 years, she established roots in Clovis, New Mexico, raising her kids and grandchildren and serving as the contracting officer at Cannon AFB. In 1997, Caroline moved back to Hawai‘i where she worked at Hickam AFB as the chief of contracting. In total, she worked as a Department of Defense Civil Service employee for over 52 years before retiring in 2014 on her 78th birthday.

1955

n Lionel N. Iaea of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away at Dec. 19, 2018. Originally from Honolulu, he served in the U.S. Navy and retired from the Honolulu Police Department after 26 years of service.

1957

n Juliette Ku‘ualoha Yates Bissen of Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, passed away on Sept.

20, 2018. Born in Hilo, and raised in Waimea, she served as class representative for more than 10 years. n Puanani Akaka Caindec of San Rafael, Calif., passed away on Feb. 16, 2019. Besides Hawai‘i, she lived in Northern and Southern California, Saudi Arabia and Holland. Puanani worked at the Hawaiian Telephone Company before joining the Community Maintenance Department of ARAMCO in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. n Bernard Y. D. Ching of Honolulu passed away on April 6, 2018. He was a

nā hali‘a aloha

founding member of the 1950s recording group “The Surfers,” a longtime coach at ‘Iolani School, and was also a beachboy at Waikīkī Beach. n Mary Jane Kuuleimomi Gomes MacGill of Honolulu passed away on Jan. 16, 2019, in Baltimore, Md. n Timothy Kam Tim Wong of Honolulu passed away on March 16, 2019. He was a 42-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department served primarily in the Patrol Division as a sergeant where he trained recruits. He was extremely proud of serving on the Solo Bike Squad twice, first as an officer in the 1960s, and again as a motorcycle detail sergeant in the mid-1990s. n Flynn Halley Wood of Honolulu passed away at Anahola, Kaua‘i, on Jan. 5. 2018. He attended the Merchant Marine Academy and saw the world, lived in California and found a niche in computer programming.

1958

n Valentine Peroff of Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, passed away on Dec. 2, 2018. Born in Waimea, Kaua‘i, he served in the U.S. Air Force and was a well-known contractor and developer.

1959

n Penelope Chun Burns of Kailua, O‘ahu, passed away on July 27, 2018. She was born in Honolulu. n Natalie Hasegawa Chang of ‘Aiea, O‘ahu, passed away on Nov. 5, 2018. n Andrew Espinda passed away on Feb. 9, 2019 in Puyallup, Wash. n Harrub Houssein of Las Vegas, Nev., passed away on Dec. 19, 2018.

1960

n Marjorie Cummings Watanabe of Lahaina, Maui, passed away on Oct. 30, 2018.

1961

n Rex Paki Williamson of Kula, Maui, passed away on Feb. 27, 2019.

After retirement from the Forestry Department, Rex served as a director of the KS Alumni Association Maui Region for over eight years.

1962

n Michael W. Apana, Jr., a retiree of

Hawaiian Telephone, passed away on Oct. 18, 2018. n Addie Younce Miday, of Pāhoa, Hawai‘i, passed away Jan. 25, 2019.

Born in Honolulu, she was a retired paramedic assistant at Hilo Medical Center.

1963

n Ranceford Ako of Honolulu passed away on Feb. 18, 2019. After leaving Kamehameha, he continued his education at Mauna‘olu College on Maui as well as at Mankato State University in Minnesota. Ranceford retired from Hawaiian Airlines after 39 years of service and also retired from the Army Reserves as a sergeant major, having served two tours in Vietnam. He was an avid tennis player. n Gilbert “Butch” Eugenio, Jr. of Wailuku, Maui, passed away on March 24, 2019. He moved to Maui and was a department manager at Longs Drugs in Kahului. After retiring from Longs in 1987, he became the Federal Census Bureau pre-listing director for both the County of Maui and County of Hawai‘i island as well as the director of security at Wailea Point AOAO. Gilbert was a Maui Interscholastic League football official and scorekeeper for approximately 40 years and was also a commissioner, board member and member of the Maui Pop Warner Football Association for nearly 15 years. n Katherine Akim Seu Kahapea of Honolulu passed away on Jan. 18, 2019.

Born in Honolulu, she retired from the Honolulu Advertiser.

1964

n Colonel Bobby Lum Ho of Hilo, Hawai‘i, passed away on Sept. 1, 2018.

Born in Hilo, he went on to graduate from the University of Hawai‘i and was commissioned an officer in the United States Army. Before retiring in 1999 as a colonel, Bobby was a highly decorated serviceman receiving a Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal,

National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars along with numerous other awards, medals and honors. He went on to work as a program manager on a variety of government contracts in the Washington, D.C. area.

1965

n Edward Charles Douglas, of Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, passed away on Jan. 29, 2019. He was a former sergeant in the Honolulu Police Department and in retirement, found much joy helping others with their home improvement projects. His passion for photography, coupled with his interest in motorsports, led him to publish Hawaiian Cruisers Magazine and Hawai‘i Motorsports & Street Machine News. n Lenore Mailehune Torris Hedlund of Portland, Oregon, passed away on March 13, 2019. Lenore grew up in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, and was dedicated to working with adults with developmental disabilities. n Edward Princeton Kalahiki, Jr. of Honolulu passed away on Feb. 27, 2019.

A 49-year veteran flight attendant with United Airlines, Ed was among the airline’s first groups of male flight attendants. A deep connection with the rich heritage of Hawai‘i song and dance led him to join Hālau Hula ‘o Māiki where he became a kumu hula then founded the Hālau Nā Punahele ‘o Haluakaiamoana which he lovingly led until his passing. n Clifford J. Mattos, Jr. of Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, passed away on March 29, 2019.

1967

n Hazeline Ayau Wilson of Honolulu passed away on Nov. 3, 2018 in Golden, Colo. Hazel was an elementary school teacher for 25 years, and also taught preschoolers at the Susan M. Duncan YMCA in Colorado.

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nā hali‘a aloha

1968

n Lesley Agard passed away on Sept.

22, 2018. She earned a bachelor’s and Master of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Lesley joined the staff at Kamehameha Schools in 1972 and began a long career in writing, editing and publishing. She contributed to many Kamehameha publications including newspapers (“Ka Mō‘ī”), yearbooks (“Ka Na‘i Aupuni”), books, and flyers, and was a former executive editor of I Mua magazine. She co-authored the book “Legacy: A Portrait of the Young Men and Women of Kamehameha Schools 1887–1987” (Kamehameha Schools Press). She retired from Kamehameha in 2008. Lesley served on numerous community service organizations and boards, including Hui Hanai of Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, O‘ahu Cemetery, and the Planning Group for the Hawai‘i Children’s Discovery Center. n Bernadette Vaspra Vasconcellos, born in Waialua, O‘ahu, passed away in Wahiawā on Sept. 1, 2018.

1969

n Gary L. Kalilikane, Sr. of Honolulu passed away on Oct. 18, 2018. He was born in Honolulu. n Evelyn Marie Martinson of Waimea, Hawai‘i, passed away July 17, 2018. Born in Fukuoka, Japan, she was retired and had worked previously at the Thelma Parker Library, Waimea General Store and Waimea Gazette.

1971

n Hawai‘i broadcasting legend Jacqueline Leilani “Skylark” Rossetti passed away on March 20, 2019.

She studied art at San Francisco City College and worked at the college’s radio station. After returning home in the early 1970s, she worked on air at KNDIAM in Honolulu before becoming the midday personality in a legendary staff at Honolulu’s KCCN-AM that included Kimo Kahoano KSK’66 and the late Krash Kealoha. Broadcasting Hawaiian music, she was integral in the rise of Hawai‘i superstars such as the Sunday Mānoa, the Brothers Cazimero and the

72 I MUA M AG AZ I NE

Mākaha Sons of Ni‘ihau. She also was an emcee and commercial voice-over artist.

A co-founder of the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Skylark was a 2017 inductee into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame and won Nā Hōkū statuettes in 1993 and 1996. She also received the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and was recognized as Outstanding Hawaiian Woman of the Year in 1984, as well as Broadcaster of the Year in 1991.

1972

n Liane P. S. L. Sing of ‘Aiea, O‘ahu, passed away on Nov. 19, 2018. She was born in Honolulu.

1974

n Richard Siegfried passed away on March 2, 2019. Born in Honolulu, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whittier College and a master’s degree from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Richard had a long career as a financial consultant, working for AIG and Assurant Health early in his career.

In recent years, he worked for companies such as Northwestern Mutual, Roadrunner Transportation and the Journal Broadcast Group. A gifted musician, Richard worked professionally as a classical guitarist and was on the faculty of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Alverno College and Carroll University.

He performed throughout the area, most often as part of the Viennese Guitar Duo.

1976

n John N. I. Kahaialii, of Lahaina, Maui, passed away on Jan. 18, 2019. He was born in Honolulu. n Lovena Pagay Vise of Kīhei, Maui, passed away on April 4, 2019. She is survived by son, Kumu Hula C. Kamaka Kukona KSK’96.

1979

n Mark V. Lovett of San Francisco, Calif., passed away on May 6, 2019. Mark was a San Francisco 311 call center supervisor. As an employee of San Francisco City & County, he was recognized with a certificate of honor in appreciation for his 22 years of service.

1985

n Heron Coffman Crajdhen passed away on Sept. 5, 2018. A 1989 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he had

a distinguished military career and deployed to Operation Desert Storm in 1991, attended Navy SEAL training in 1993, and Army Special Forces training in 2001. His last assignment was as the supply and services officer for 62nd Troop Command of the Alabama Army National Guard. He received his MBA and Master of Science degree in finance and applied economics from New Hampshire University and a doctorate of physics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

1986

n Ryan Peterson of Honolulu passed away on Sept. 18, 2018.

1989

n Beth H. S. Young Afong passed away Jan. 16, 2019. Born in Honolulu, she was a proud member of the Kamehameha Schools marching band while in high school and attended UH Hilo after high school. She held managerial positions at Longs Drugs, and most recently, at Foodland corporate offices.

1990

n Matthew K Kaopio, Jr. of Wai‘anae, O‘ahu. passed away on Dec. 25, 2018.

Matthew was born in Kailua, O‘ahu.

1992

n Dr. Melanie K. Arnold Ahokov of Honolulu passed away on Dec. 22, 2018. Born in Hilo and raised in Pāhala, she was a psychologist at the Wai‘anae Comprehensive Health Center. She was also a 1996 graduate of Utah State University and 1992 inductee into the Nissan Hall of Honor for athletic excellence as a basketball and volleyball player.

2004

n Amanda Garcia of Wahiawā, O‘ahu, passed away on July 18, 2018. She was born in Honolulu.

2018

n Shayden Kahiau Dalire-Na‘auao of Honolulu passed away on Feb. 12, 2019.

For School Year

2020 – 2021

Kamehameha Schools offers a variety of educational programs and scholarship services for learners of all ages.

Some application windows have changed this year, so be sure to check on your program’s dates at ksbe.edu/programs.

PROGRAM

APPROXIMATE APPLICATION WINDOW

DESCRIPTION K–12 EDUCATION

Campus Programs

K-12 program at Kamehameha Schools campuses located on O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

Aug. – Sept. 2019

Kamehameha Scholars

Hawaiian culture-based college and career readiness counseling program for public, charter, home and other private school students grades 9-12.

Mar. – Apr. 2020

Kīpona Scholarship

Need-based scholarships for students attending participating non-Kamehameha Schools private schools statewide.

Aug. 2019 – Dec. 2020

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Early College Scholarships

For high school students to earn college credit.

Mar. – Apr. 2020

Need-based Scholarships

For undergraduate and graduate students.

Oct. 2019 – Feb. 2020

Merit-based Scholarships

For college students pursuing a graduate degree.

Nov. 2019 – Jan. 2020

Pauahi Foundation Scholarships

Privately funded scholarships for college students who are residents as well as non-residents of the state of Hawai‘i.

Dec. 2019 – Feb. 2020

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION KS Preschools

29 preschools statewide offering classes for 3- and 4-year olds.

Nov. 2019 – Jan. 2020

Pauahi Keiki Scholars

Need-based scholarships for children attending participating non-Kamehameha Schools preschools statewide.

Nov. 2019 – Jan. 2020

SUMMER PROGRAMS Ho‘omāka‘ika‘i

Week-long summer boarding programs offered to public, charter, home and other private school students entering grades 6 and 7 focused on cultural values and practices to develop Hawaiian identity and leadership.

Summer School

Summer courses offered to students entering grades K – 12 at our Hawai‘i campus, Jan. – Feb. 2020 grades 1 – 12 at our Kapālama campus, and grades 3– 12 at our Maui campus.

Kilohana

Select Elementary Grades: Five-week Hawaiian culture-based literacy program for Jan. – Mar. 2020 public, charter, home and other private school students through fun and engaging place-based learning focused on aloha ‘āina for select elementary grades.

Jan. – Feb. 2020

Grades 6-8: Five-week Hawaiian culture-based program offered to public, charter, home and other private school students entering grades 6-8, focused on developing students’ Hawaiian cultural knowledge and attitudes and skills in math.

COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS Kāpili ‘Oihana Internship Program

Stipend-eligible summer internship program for college students.

Jan. – Feb. 2020

Open enrollment ongoing for year-round internship opportunities.

Program details and applications windows are subject to change.

For more program information, visit ksbe.edu/programs.

Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants U LELAU 2019 by 73law. of Hawaiian ancestryHĀ‘ to the extent permitted

I give with Pauahi.

As a decorated 30-year Navy veteran and nuclear engineer, Alvin Pau‘ole KSK’56 has achieved a lot in life and credits his educational experience as a student at Kamehameha Schools.

Now he’s driven to give with Pauahi by creating similar opportunities in mentorship programs and post-high scholarships for Native Hawaiians learners.

Join Alvin in helping the next generation of kanaka leaders succeed in life.

Help broaden Pauahi’s reach, please consider a gift today at givewithpauahi.org

74 I MUA M AG AZ I NE

inside the archives KEEP program looked at early education reading needs in the 1970s

By Stacy Naipo KSK’82 Kamehameha Schools Archivist

I

n 1971, the trustees of Kamehameha Schools, in recognition of the educational needs of Native Hawaiian students in the public schools, and as a response to the concerns expressed by the greater Native Hawaiian community, embarked upon a new collaborative, early educational program called K.E.E.P. – the Kamehameha Elementary Education Program.

Calling on the expertise of principal investigators, Roland Tharp and Ronald Gallimore, Kamehameha funded one of the longest running educational research and development efforts committed to improving schooling for students of a particular ethnic background.

Another key to the success of the KEEP program was the strategy to develop the expertise of the classroom teacher, as the belief was that exemplary teaching is the key to improving students’ academic learning.

Kamehameha Schools, along with the Hawai‘i state Department of Education, worked together to address the educational needs of Native Hawaiian students, and to bring those students to parity with national norms in language arts.

Reading was selected as KEEP’s initial curriculum focus with particular focus on children in kindergarten through third grade, which eventually expanded through the sixth grade.

Another key to the success of the KEEP program was the strategy to develop the expertise of the classroom teacher, as the belief was that exemplary teaching is the key to improving students’ academic learning.

According to program founders

Tharp and Gallimore, as they refer to the program’s inception: “This cannot have been easy for The Schools. The purposes and methods of KEEP are different from the traditional campus program…it operates on the frontiers of knowledge… it is to the credit of [Kamehameha Schools] senior staff, that the necessary patience and flexibility have been present to articulate KEEP as an integral part of The Schools operations.”

Although the KEEP program of

research and development in Hawai‘i ended in the 1990s, KEEP-related activity continued at the University of California, Santa Cruz, as part of the National Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence (CREDE).

If you wish to discover more about the KEEP program, and view collection holdings, visit the Kamehameha Schools Archives at blogs.ksbe.edu/archives and search “KEEP.”

HĀ‘ U LELAU 2019

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