Kamehameha Schools celebrates its newest preschool in Kapaʻa

About 30 KS staff and community partners gathered for the blessing of Kamehameha Schools newest preschool in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi, on July 26, 2024.

Aug. 12, 2024

On a bright and beautiful Friday morning, Kamehameha Schools staff and partners came together to celebrate the blessing of the newest Kamehameha Schools preschool site. Located in Kapaʻa, Kauaʻi, the event marked the latest milestone to embody Ke Aliʻi Pauahi’s vision to provide quality education for Native Hawaiian keiki. The Kapaʻa site is named after the ‘ahupuaʻa in which it is located.

In May 2024, the much beloved KS preschool in Anahola graduated its final class as kumu and their haumāna prepared to move to their new, updated facility in Kapaʻa.

The blessing ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Anna Peters, the hope poʻo kumu for KS preschools on Kauaʻi. Her heartfelt message set the tone for a day filled with joy and gratitude.

“While we cherish the memories made in Anahola, we welcome the opportunities this move presents for our keiki and kumu,” Peters said. “I want to thank our kumu for their diligence, commitment and hard work to move and prepare their classrooms in our new facility before the new school year begins.”

Waiʻaleʻale Arroyo, Kamehameha Schools vice president of Hiʻialo, spoke about the importance of nurturing haumāna.

“This new preschool is more than just a building; it is a space where futures will be molded, memories will be cherished and the next generation of ‘ōiwi leaders will be nurtured,” Arroyo said. “Here, enduring and positive relationships between kumu, keiki and ʻohana will blossom.”

KS Hiʻialo leader Waiʻaleʻale Arroyo and Hope Poʻo Kumu Anna Peters untie the maile lei. The beautiful and fragrant maile was gathered from Kauaʻi forests.

KS Preschools Poʻo Kula Shelli Kim expressed her mahalo to the exceptional team of kumu who will guide the keiki on their educational journeys.

"We extend our deepest mahalo to our kumu whose dedication and passion for nurturing our keiki inspire us daily,” Kim said. “Your unwavering commitment to providing a rich educational environment steeped in E Ola! ensures that each child learns and celebrates their cultural heritage and embarks on a journey of growth and discovery with confidence and joy. It is truly a privilege to work alongside such talented and caring educators.”

Kahu Sean Chun leads the blessing ceremonies at KS Preschool – Kapaʻa.

The ceremony also featured a blessing performed by Kahu Sean Chun.

In his remarks, kahu recalled the famous battle cry of Kamehameha the Great: "Imua e nā poki‘i a inu i ka wai ‘awa‘awa, ‘a‘ohe hope e ho‘i mai ai." This can be translated to “Forward my young brothers (and sisters) and drink of the bitter waters (of battle), there is no turning back (until victory is secured).”

“In today’s application, as Kānaka ‘Ōiwi, we move forward to preserve our ʻāina, our culture, our ʻōlelo,” Chun said. “We uphold our rights and prepare to take on the challenges ahead; we unite and strengthen our lāhui as Kānaka ‘Ōiwi.”

It was a powerful, spiritual moment as kahu dipped a lāʻī in a kanoa of salt water and sprinkled the wai in every room of the new facility symbolizing the cleansing of the new space. The blessing brought a sense of peace and readiness for the important work in the school year ahead.

After the blessing, attendees were invited to enjoy mea ʻai and tour the new classrooms. The modern and well-equipped facilities are designed to provide a nurturing and engaging environment for up to 40 preschoolers. The event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a new beginning and envision the bright future that lies ahead for the keiki of Kapaʻa.

Kumu April Taguiam and Mali Roden in their brand new classroom at KS Preschool – Kapaʻa.

April Taguiam is one of the kumu who made the move from Anahola. She shared her reflections:

“Leaving Anahola after teaching there for 26 years feels like closing a cherished book filled with precious memories. Yet, as I turn the page, I see Kapaʻa as the beginning of a wonderful new chapter for our kumu, keiki and ʻohana of Kamehameha Preschool mā Kauaʻi. This new journey is like opening a fresh, unwritten manuscript, filled with exciting opportunities and experiences waiting to be written. I am eager to share and create new stories with our haumāna in this beautiful new setting for years to come."

KS Preschools provides early education opportunities at 30 sites on five islands, serving more than 1,700 keiki and their ʻohana. KSP staff embody Pauahi’s vision throughout the pae ʻāina to advance her people through education at its earliest stage.

KS Preschool - Kapaʻa includes an outdoor playground, two classrooms, an office, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, and keiki and adult sized bathrooms.