'Aha Aloha 'Āina motivates KS Kapālama students, staff

During the ‘Aha Protocol workshop sessions at the first-ever ʻAha Aloha ʻĀina at the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus, Lanakila Managauil demonstrated motions depicting the natural elements that are crucial to aloha ʻāina.

Dec. 16, 2019

Contributed by Kyle Galdeira

Students at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama hosted the first-ever ʻAha Aloha ʻĀina fueled by a charge to take responsibility for the future of Hawaiʻi.

The event on November 25 was termed “He Aha Lā He Kūkulu: Identifying the Pillars of Aloha ʻĀina.” The event coincided with the observance of Lā Kūʻokoʻa, a day on which Hawaiʻi was recognized as an independent nation in 1843.

Sparked by the escalating political and social discourse surrounding issues facing Native Hawaiians, students and teachers partnered to plan the day’s activities. Sessions included student-facilitated panel discussions with contemporary Native Hawaiian community leaders, workshops presented by guest speakers, a student-coordinated educational activity center, and a concert featuring performances by musical artists and scholars from the Native Hawaiian community.

Mahina Melim, a senior at KS Kapālama and president of the Kiaʻi ʻŌlauniu Club which planned the event, said: “As students, we look around and we see turmoil. There is so much conflict and people are fighting for something they believe in. It is a harsh reminder how important it is for us to have an active role in making our future better through the lens of aloha ʻāina.

“That’s why we decided it was important to set aside time to educate and inspire our fellow students and even some of the teachers about what is important to us as Native Hawaiian youth and what resources are available to aid us on our path forward.”

Participation in the day’s activities was not mandatory, but students and staff were encouraged to attend sessions and incorporate lessons of the day into classroom discussions. An energized student body and registration procedures for each activity led to most sessions being attended at capacity.

Hawaiian language kumu Jonah Kahanuola Solatorio, one of the faculty advisers who provided guidance to the student coordinators, “was impressed but not surprised” at how engaged his students were.

“It is remarkable to see how passionate and motivated our haumāna can be when we make it clear to them how important their voice is. For these students to be so interested in the social, cultural and political conversations so early in their lives, it assures us that our future is in good hands,” said Solatorio.

KS Kapālama campus Poʻo Kula Dr. Taran Chun said: “Our students never cease to amaze us! They see how important it is to participate in processes that greatly impact the future they will ultimately inherit. It is our kuleana to provide opportunities where student voices can be heard. This is how we support and develop passionate servant leaders that will lead the Lāhui into the future.”

What
That’s why we decided it was important to set aside time to educate and inspire our fellow students and even some of the teachers about what is important to us as Native Hawaiian youth and what resources are available to aid us on our path forward.
Mahina Melim, a senior at KS Kapālama and president of the Kiaʻi ʻŌlauniu Club

Members of the Kiaʻi ʻŌlauniu Club hosted fellow classmates in an activity that demonstrated the traditional usage of star paths for navigation and wayfinding.