Kamehameha Schools ʻālapa haumāna take part in tri-campus summit

He Koa Mau a Mau: Forever a Warrior

Jun. 21, 2023

For two and a half days, ‘ālapa haumāna gathered at KS Kapālama for Kamehameha Schools’ first-ever Tri-Campus Student-Athlete Advisory Council Leadership Summit. Thirty-five haumāna and six chaperones from all three campuses participated in spiritual, physical, and cultural activities immersed in ‘ōiwi leadership. Haumāna were mixed into three different hui with alakaʻi representation from each campus: Lehua (KSH), ʻIlima (KSK), and Lokelani (KSM). Throughout the summit, the hui received points for different events and activities that took place, with the winner to be announced on the last day following the I Mua Olympics.

The event served as a way to unite Kamehameha Schools’ haumāna and build pilina through athletics. KS Kapālama haumāna Ava Ulufale said, “I always wanted an event like this to bring our three campuses together as student-athletes. I am honored to be part of this first-ever tri-campus summit and made friendships with Maui and Hawaiʻi campuses that will last a lifetime.”

The summit kicked off with breakout sessions that concluded with each hui performing a skit on what it meant to be a warrior. Cultural icon, kumu Hinaleimoana Wong KSK’90 followed with a powerful ‘oli that haumāna were able to perform on the last day. KS Hawaiʻi haumāna Ziona Launiu shared, “When we did the ‘oli made by Kumu Hina, I felt really connected and strong together. The presentation on kūlana and kuleana changed my mindset because we were chosen to be leaders of our school with certain responsibilities to fulfill.”

The second day began with keynote speaker, Pono Ma’a KSK’82, a former two-time men's volleyball All-American at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (1984, 1986) who played for the USA National Team in 1986. He also played pro beach volleyball. Pono is currently KS Director of Advancement, Executive Director of Pauahi Foundation. He was followed by breakout sessions with KSK Director of Campus Athletics and Human Performance Rob Hesia, Concussion expert Troy Furutani, and KSK Athletic Relations Association Abu Maʻafala KSK'02. Athletes learned more about college recruiting, concussion awareness, and character skill building.

The haumāna spent the afternoon and evening at the Polynesian Cultural Center where they experienced village presentations, an ʻono buffet, and the “HA: Breath of Life” night show. On the ride back to Kapālama campus, haumāna shared the tradition of singing the alma mater. “I had a great time and so much fun, especially meeting and being with other Kamehameha campuses, truly appreciated the opportunity,” said KS Kapālama haumāna Abigail Ellis.

Daniel Rich of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, opened the third day with valuable manaʻo for our haumāna to continue developing their relationship with Ke Akua on their respective campuses. Each hui, including KS athletic staff, competed in the I Mua Olympics with volleyball, pickleball, and basketball activities.

KS Kapālama Poʻo Kula Taran Chun KSK’95 joined in the competition and closed out the summit with powerful manaʻo to encourage our haumāna to strive for ʻōiwi leadership on their campuses. The summit was well-received by athletes who expressed their joy and appreciation. ‘Īmaikalani Kramer, KS Maui haumāna said, “I loved meeting my fellow Kamehameha brothers and sisters and expressing our passion in sports and all around just having fun. I found it encouraging that we have multiple resources to help us be leaders of not only our sports teams but our lāhui.”

The summit was organized by the KS Summit Leadership Committee members: Courtney Chai KSK'02 and Kingsley Ah You (KS Kapālama), Hoku Haliniak (KS Hawaiʻi), and Mahina Hannemann-Gago (KS Maui).