Nearly 200 Kamehameha Schools alumni and community members turned out on a busy Friday evening for the first-ever Keiki to Kūpuna gathering at the picturesque Koloa Landing Resort at Po‘ipū.
At the KS-sponsored event held on May 19, three cherished Kaua‘i kūpuna and KS alumni were honored: former State Representative Ezra Kanoho (KSK’45); historian Aletha Kaohi (KSK’48) and civic leader Thelma Black (KSK’48).
In addition to enjoying the company of those within the Kaua‘i community, as well as alumni and attendees from across the state, partygoers enjoyed heavy pūpū and performances by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning singer Del Beazley & Friends, and award-winning composer and kumu hula, Manu Boyd, who also serves as a cultural consultant at KS.
“It was a pleasure to partner with Koloa Landing Resort to present our first Kauaʻi community event, and to honor our cherished alumni who have given so much to our community,” said KS Kauaʻi Regional Director Coty “Buffy” Ofisa. “The lessons learned by and values of our kūpuna (elders) shape the future of our kamaliʻi (children) and ensure our Hawaiian culture will thrive. It is with that belief that we embrace the community to come and enjoy this special evening.”
“The values of both Koloa Landing Resort and Kamehameha Schools are interwoven as hospitable stewards of the ʻāina,” said the resort’s General Manager Ike Cockett (KSKʻ84).
STRATEGIC PLAN 2020
SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS’ Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.
Kamehameha educators across the state support Goal 2 of SP2020 which calls for KS to contribute to communities’ collective efforts to improve our education systems for the betterment of the lāhui and Actions 3 and 4 of Kamehameha’s Ten Actions for fiscal year 2017, which call for KS to establish nine regions across the state and leverage community partnerships.
Former State Representative Ezra Kanoho (KSK’45), historian Aletha Kaohi (KSK’48) and civic leader Thelma Black (KSK’48) were honored as part of Keiki to Kūpuna at the picturesque Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu on Kaua‘i.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
Heralded civic leader Thelma Black (KSK ’48, at center with lei) catches up with friends and attendees prior to being honored for her efforts in the Kaua‘i community.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
Sami Ofisa (KSK ‘23) and dancers with Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana ʻO Leināʻala captivated the crowd of nearly 200 attendees at Keiki to Kūpuna.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
In addition to welcoming attendees with beautiful melodies, Kau‘i Kitashima (KSK ’98) also emceed the event, which was held in Koloa Landing Resort’s ballroom.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
Kaua‘i Kim Chee President Isaiah Dosono (KSK ’08, left) and Vice President – and younger brother – Aaron Dosono (KSK ’11) were on hand to provide samples of their popular kim chee and namasu for attendees.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
KS Kaua‘i Regional Director Buffy Ofisa (KSK ’91) and Koloa Landing Resort General Manager Ike Cockett (KSK ’84) helped to coordinate the family friendly Keiki to Kūpuna event.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
Partygoers enjoyed heavy pūpū and performances by Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning singer Del Beazley (right) & Friends, and award-winning composer and kumu hula, Manu Boyd.
Credit: Kyle Galdeira
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