The state Probate Court has selected Dr. Jennifer Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua as the newest member of the Kamehameha Schools Board of Trustees. She will begin her term immediately, replacing former Trustee Micah Kāne, whose term expired on June 30, 2021.
 
Dr. Goodyear-Kaʻōpua’s professional career includes over two decades in academia. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty Excellence at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Prior to her transition into executive management at UH Mānoa, she served as a political science professor from 2007 to 2021, helping to build the university’s Indigenous politics program, and was named chair of the department in 2017.
 
In addition to her time as an educator and administrator, Dr. Goodyear-Kaʻōpua has over 20 years of research experience in Hawaiian and Indigenous schooling. An internationally recognized scholar, her work has addressed critical issues on Indigenous food practices and energy.
 
Dr. Goodyear-Kaʻōpua continues to serve the community as a board member for Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy and co-organizer for Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea – Honolulu. She previously served as secretary and executive board member for the Native American and Indigenous Studies Association, co-founder and board president of Mana Maoli, board member for Hui o Kuapā and Hawaiʻi’s People Fund, in addition to co-founder and board member of Hālau Kū Māna New Century Public Charter School.
 
A 1992 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Dr. Goodyear-Kaʻōpua earned a Ph.D. in History of Consciousness from University of California, Santa Cruz, and a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies and political science from UH Mānoa.
 
Her term ends June 30, 2026, at which time she will have the option to petition the court for a five-year reappointment.

(Photo courtesy: Shang Ong of Shang_HI_Media)

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