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KSK eighth graders learn about leadership and innovation in Our Kakaʻako

February 8, 2017

Kamehameha Schools Kapālama eight graders recently had the opportunity to experience a huakaʻi to the innovative Our Kakaʻako and SALT at Our Kakaʻako. The day included listening to various speakers share their manaʻo about entrepreneurship, innovation, and what it takes to be a business owner and leader in today’s world.

The haumāna started their day at Kawaiahaʻo Plaza and joined staffers for morning gathering. A few students offered pule and manaʻo before the group headed to Our Kakaʻako. Guest speakers and site visits included Monica Toguchi, owner of Highway Inn; Frank Rodriguez and Mark Toohey, representatives from Locations Hawaiʻi touring the Flats at Puʻunui; Al Guzman, general manager of The Collection; Jasper Wong, founder of POW! WOW! Hawaiʻi; Gary Evora, KS commercial real estate senior asset manager; Amy Brinker, KS sustainability manager; Gabe Amey, founder of RISEHI; Irie Love, singer and songwriter; and Austin Kino, voyager on the Hokuleʻa.

Joshua, an attendee shared “I learned that success has many aspects. Success to some means having a high-income job, other see success as having a job that you love. Whatever success means to you, you must work for it.”

Read more students comments on the KSK Middle School Pūʻulu Kukui blog.

KS photographer Michael Young tagged along on the huakaʻi to capture the highlights of their tour.

About Our Kaka‘ako: KS is transforming Our Kaka‘ako from an industrial zone to an urban-island neighborhood bordered by Ala Moana Boulevard, Halekauwila Street, South Street and Ward Avenue. The community is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and cultural responsibility, and like all KS commercial projects its income supports the trust’s educational mission.

About SALT: SALT at Our Kakaʻako is an 85,000-square-foot curated retail, restaurant and mixed-use space owned by Kamehameha Schools. It is named after the pa‘akai (salt) ponds that once dotted the low-lying wetlands of the area. Get a taste of SALT at Our Kakaʻako here.

Irie Love poses with a group of students after performing live at the Wade Warehouses.




A group heads back to SALT at Our Kakaʻako after visiting the Flats at Puʻunui, located on KS land.




Monica Toguchi, owner of Highway Inn shares what it takes to be a business owner in Hawaiʻi.




Al Guzman, general manager of The Collection and KS alum welcome the 8th graders to their private property tour.




Amy Brinker, KS Sustainability Manager shares the importance of the KS Donation Station in Our Kakaʻako.




Gary Evora, KS Commercial Real Estate Senior Asset Manager shares about the nine blocks of Our Kakaʻako.




Austin Kino, RISE HI speaker and voyager from Hokuleʻa offers his advice on leadership strengths and skills.




Gabe Amey, Founder of RISE HI welcomes the haumāna to a set of 4 speakers from RISE HI.




The students witnessed their very own private concert at Wade Warehouse.




Singer and songwriter Irie Love graces the group with a few songs.




The haumāna take a quick break to pose for this photo during their recent tour to Our Kakaʻako.




A student offers manaʻo during morning gathering at Kawaiahaʻo Plaza.




Another student shares her manaʻo with staffers and fellow classmates.




This student expressed an interest to live one day at the Flats at Puʻunui.




Attendees had the opportunity to visit furnished units at the Flats at Puʻunui.




Two students found their "pot of gold" at a recent visit to the KS Donation Station in Our Kakaʻako.




The first group awaits their guided tour at the Flats at Puʻunui located at 440 Keawe Street.