Kamehameha Schools kumu: Everett Yamashita on using music to grow discipline, teamwork and pilina

May 28, 2026

As the school year ends, we’re celebrating kumu across KS campuses who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻŌiwi leaders. In every classroom, they help fulfill Pauahi’s vision for an educated and thriving lāhui.

Meet Everett Yamashita, KS Maui

What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
I have wanted to be a kumu at KS Maui for several years, as I was motivated by the dream of one day having the opportunity to teach my two oldest daughters, both who were fortunate enough to start at KS in kindergarten. I couldn’t think of anything more rewarding, as a teacher, than being able to be a part of their education.

The band director position became available the summer before my oldest daughter would start the 6th grade. God opened doors and with his blessing, I was able to get the job. Since then, I've had the chance to teach both of my two oldest daughters, as well as a nephew and a niece.

Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
Besides teaching haumāna how to read and write music and how to play a musical instrument, I believe that band teaches each haumāna valuable skills that they can use throughout their lives. I use band to help to build character, teach self-discipline, hard work, dedication, integrity, and perseverance. Through band, I can teach haumāna about time management, organization, and about understanding their kuleana as an individual, as well as their role in a group. I’ve adopted the saying “Hoʻokahi hui, a hoʻokahi leo” (one band, one sound). I believe that the success of a band, or team, or community, is dependent on the understanding that we ALL play an important role in it.

When former haumāna come to visit me or they bump into me in public, and they take the time to catch me up on their lives, the fulfillment and joy I receive when they tell me how much they appreciated all the life lessons they learned from in my classes, and that they still apply those lessons to their daily lives, is priceless. It gives purpose to why I do this job.

What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
Every year my haumāna remind about two things.

The first is the importance of pilina. I live by that old saying that students will start caring more when they know you care about them. The greatest mentors that I have had in my life are the ones who truly cared about me being successful in what I do. And not for any fame or accolades, but out of genuine, honest, and sincere aloha.

The second is that we are all human. We all make mistakes. We all make the wrong choices sometimes. We are all tempted to follow the crowd. We all have our ups and downs. As much as I hold my students accountable and keep that bar high, I also understand that it's not always possible to be at 100% every day. Shoot — it’s hard to even be 50% sometimes. It’s a reminder to be compassionate. It’s a reminder to be forgiving. It’s a reminder that tomorrow can be better.

Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
It's everywhere! The beautiful campus. The facilities. The classrooms. The programs we offer. The haumāna. The kumu. The alumni. It is incredible to think that because of Pauahi’s love for her lāhui, that she had this vision for the future of Hawaiʻi and its keiki.

I believe that the strength of her legacy comes from being rooted in Christian values and Hawaiian culture. As a strong Christian, Princess Pauahi exemplified those values as she gave selflessly to her people. To this day, as her legacy faces opposition, her legacy holds steadfast because she gave from love and the pureness of her heart for others.

Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
Wow...this is seriously the toughest question to answer! The kumu that I work with at KS Maui are awesome. They are doing great things and influencing the lives of our haumāna every day. There are so many I wish I could mention!

But I need to give a big mahalo and shout out a kumu who I’m sure many of my colleagues would agree, does so much for our haumāna, as well as us kumu. Sharolyn Pali not only teaches throughout the day, but does yearbook, student government, and student activities. I am only able to do what I do because of the support she provides me and our band program. CHEERS to Pali!