As a planning and development director for Kamehameha Schools, Calvin Mann’s work is personal. His connection to Maunalua began in childhood, when he spent weekends with family there, and it has continued throughout his adult life. The Kamehameha Schools alumnus and his wife have lived in the area for more than 25 years while raising their three children. Today, he brings both his personal roots and his professional expertise to the kuleana of stewarding Kamehameha Schools’ lands in Maunalua.

Calvin’s team focuses on planning and development, making sure that each decision reflects the community and the mission of Kamehameha Schools. But what stands out most is the pride and gratitude he feels for the place he calls home. It is a connection that gives his voice a special perspective in shaping the future of Maunalua. Here’s our talk story session with Calvin:
 

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Q: Can you tell us about your role at Kamehameha Schools and the work you do in Maunalua?
A: I am part of the Planning and Development team, and my role is to support our asset managers when it comes to evaluating future possibilities for our lands. For example, when a ground lease is close to ending and the land is returning to Kamehameha Schools, my team helps determine how it might best serve both Kamehameha Schools and the surrounding community. I have been with Kamehameha Schools for just over five years, and from the start, Maunalua has been my area of focus. These are not short-term decisions. They are decisions that shape the future of the community and support our mission in perpetuity.

Q: Can you share more about your personal connection to Maunalua?
A: My connection goes back to childhood. My godparents lived in Hawai‘i Kai, and I spent much of my time growing up here. I have fond memories of flying kites at Koko Head Elementary field, learning to throw net in the marina and along the shoreline, and spending weekends at my best friend’s home in Portlock. So while I did not always live here, I spent a lot of time in Maunalua and it became a second home.
Since 1999, my wife and I have been residents of Hawai‘i Kai, raising our three children in the community. I often say we have been blessed to be able to afford to stay here. Our children grew up fully immersed in this place. They worked at local businesses, played high school and club sports, paddled with local canoe clubs, and took part in volunteer efforts that focused on beach and nature preserve cleanups in the area. They have always been active in the community. For them, it has been the full live-work-play experience, made possible by everything Maunalua has to offer. Two of my children graduated from Kaiser High School, and one is a recent graduate of Kamehameha Schools.

Q: From your perspective, what are the most important considerations when planning for the future of Maunalua?
A: I always start by asking myself what matters to me as a resident and a parent. I want my children and their children to be able to live and raise their families here, just as we have. That means making sure the community keeps pace with changing needs. While many residents have lived here since the 1970s and are now aging, we also see multigenerational households where children and grandchildren support their elders and continue to bring youth into the community. Planning must reflect both realities.
As planners, we try to ensure that decisions are guided by broad community voices. Families are busy, and not everyone has time to attend meetings or speak up, so we do our best to listen and represent diverse perspectives. Maunalua itself is part of our living legacy. Many who live here are connected to Kamehameha Schools in some way, whether as alumni, students, colleagues or tenants. The decisions we make must always be sustainable, because the way we care for the land today will shape the opportunities of tomorrow.

Q: What makes Maunalua such a special place to live and work?
A: Maunalua is one of a kind. From the bay to the coastline, it offers a setting that is safe, active, and filled with opportunities to live well. Whether it is the convenience of having shops and services close by, or the beauty of running, cycling and paddling in the area, it all adds up to a lifestyle that keeps you grounded. For me, it is the simple things: the sight of the coastline on the drive home, the feeling of release as I get closer to the mountains, and the chance to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends. That is what makes Maunalua special.

Q: What message would you like to share with your fellow Kamehameha Schools alumni?
A: I am a 1986 graduate of Kapālama and now an alumnus parent, which is something I am especially proud of. Two of my children were part of the Kamehameha Scholars program, so even though they did not attend Kamehameha Schools, they were still beneficiaries of Pauahi’s gift. My youngest daughter graduated from Kapālama in 2023 and having that shared experience with her was very special. It gave me the chance to have more meaningful conversations with her and to help guide her along the way. Former Trustee Lance Wilhelm always impressed upon us that even if you are not up on the hill, you still represent Kamehameha Schools. That is something I see in my own family. The legacy of Pauahi lives through us, and it is our responsibility to carry it forward in ways that uplift the lāhui.

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