KSK students take part in Kuʻi 2016 at the State Capitol

February 9, 2016

KS Kapālama High School students were among more than 500 haumāna who gathered at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on opening day of the legislative session to support Kuʻi 2016, an annual event focused on culture, community and kalo-pounding. Event participants pounded over 1,000 pounds of kalo!

The high schoolers had the opportunity to meet their representatives and hear speeches from Educator of the ʻĀina Award winners Bonnie Kahapeʻa Tanner and Imai Winchester.

English kumu Alohi Aeʻa, who leads the event said, “I bring students here because even if we choose to live in the reality that we are not a state, our students need to be confident in advocating for themselves and the Lāhui and being involved in the political processes that take place here.”

KS photographer Michael Young was on hand to capture the highlights of the event.

KSK English kumu Alohi Aeʻa (center) along with students Makani Walker, Connor Kalahiki, Will Petroff and Kanoa Dela Cruz stand in front of the State Capitol building on the opening day of the legislature.

KS students joined more than 500 public, private and Hawaiian-focused charter schools students to pound kalo in the courtyard of the State Capitol building.

Kaʻiuonālani Lewis pounds kalo in the process known as kuʻi ʻai.

Jaclyn Fontanilla and Morgan Plunkett deliver paʻi ʻai (undiluted poi) wrapped up in ti leaves, to their district legislators.

KS students enjoy lunch provided by the offices of the state legislators. It is a tradition that the legislators open their offices and serve food on the opening day of the legislature.

Nā kumu Noe Hokoano and Jessica Aydlette enjoy opening day.

Performing arts kumu Kaleo Trinidad and students Kaulana Kanno, Lucy Lee and Kristin Tampon.

Hawaiian Ensemble kāne Elliott Markell, Jadakiss Salevao, Lokomaika'i Recca and McKenzie Pono Fuata wore nā malo (loincloths) to pound kalo.

Photo galleries

KSK students take part in Kuʻi 2016 at the State Capitol

Kawaiaha‘o Plaza

KS Hawai‘i

KS Kapālama

KS Maui