When heavy rains swept across Oʻahu’s North Shore, the impact was immediate and overwhelming. Floodwaters tore through homes, farms, and roadways, leaving behind thick mud and uncertainty. While KS Preschools-Haleʻiwa was spared major damage, nearby communities faced significant flooding.

For Kumu Trisha Sellesin, the crisis was deeply personal. Born and raised in Waialua, she has spent her entire life rooted in the community now struggling to recover.

“It all started with parents asking how my house fared,” Sellesin shared. “I told them we were okay, but many of my neighbors lost everything…their homes, their cars. My husband and son spent the weekend helping clear mud and debris, and I cooked meals for the volunteers.”
That conversation sparked something bigger. 

In the midst of this devastation, the response of the KSP Koʻolau ʻOhana Hui became a powerful, real-life example of what it means to live our core values of aloha, mālama and kuleana. What began as concern quickly grew into a coordinated relief effort rooted in care and responsibility. In less than 24 hours, more than $1,000 was raised through the generosity of staff, ʻohana, and community members. Essential supplies, such as waterproof bins, buckets, construction-grade trash bags, and cleaning supplies, were quickly purchased to support families beginning the long road to recovery.

“I was very humbled and grateful,” Sellesin reflected. “So many parents helped, both physically and monetarily.”

This was mālama in action — caring for people, places, and community in a time of need. At the heart of the effort was a shared goal: bring comfort to those reeling from the storm. KSP parent Brittany Egnew and her daughter Paisley, a four-year old haumāna at the Haleʻiwa preschool, generously provided access to their commercial kitchen and cooked a spaghetti lunch for affected ʻohana. Funds raised were used to buy the ingredients, and within hours, volunteers came together to distribute over 150 hot meals. It was a simple meal, but it carried the warmth of aloha.

What made this moment especially meaningful was the presence of our preschool keiki. Rather than standing on the sidelines, keiki stepped into their kuleana, putting into practice the values they learn each day. Preschoolers Paisley and Aliyah Rose carefully rolled utensils for distribution, while young helpers Kaʻimilani and Healani eagerly packed the food for delivery. Through these acts, keiki experienced firsthand that their contributions, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference.

This was kuleana in motion — understanding that we all have a responsibility to care for one another.

KS Preschool Koʻolau ʻOhana Hui loaded their two trucks and caravanned into impacted areas. They reached 15 homes and two farms that were otherwise inaccessible without four-wheel drive. They delivered meals and recovery supplies. 

For many ʻohana, the timing was critical. Some were still in shock, unsure of where to begin. When approached by the hui, a father stood quietly, dazed, not yet able to take inventory of the loss. In that moment, a warm meal and a caring presence became first steps toward healing and recovery.

Their final stop in Mokulēʻia brought them to farm lots where farmers had lost not only their homes but their livelihoods. Crops had been wiped out. The hui distributed everything they had, then returned to a local distribution hub to gather more: water, food, pet food, cleaning supplies, even propane tanks.

The entire effort offered folks physical support but also maybe more importantly pilina and reassurance that the storm survivors were not alone.

“The farmers were so grateful,” Sellesin shared. “But it was humbling, because what we brought was small compared to what they lost.”
For those who served, the experience left a lasting impression.

“I was covered in mud by the end of the day, but also filled with gratitude,” shared Andrea Waiaʻu, hope poʻo kumu for KSP Koʻolau II Region. “Seeing everyone come together reminded me what community really means.”

For Sellesin, the experience also revealed the deeper, ongoing impact of the disaster.
“This kind of flooding was unexpected and traumatizing,” Sellesin said. “Many people are now dealing with PTSD, especially when it rains or the river rises. It’s going to take time for Waialua to heal.”

Every day at KS Preschools, we teach our keiki about aloha, mālama, and kuleana. We nurture these values through hands-on learning, modeling and strong relationships with ʻohana and community. But in this moment, our keiki had the opportunity to see and feel those values come to life in a real-world setting.

They learned that leadership is not defined by age, but by action. They saw that helping others, whether through preparing a meal, offering a smile, or simply showing up, has the power to uplift those around them. 

This is how we empower our keiki to become the ʻŌiwi leaders of tomorrow, grounded in culture, guided by values, and ready to serve.

While recovery continues across the North Shore, the actions of the KS Preschools Koʻolau ʻOhana Hui stand as a testament to who we are as a Kamehameha Schools ʻohana. In times of need, we lead with aloha, act with kuleana, and care deeply for one another through mālama.

And as our keiki showed us, even the smallest hands can have the greatest impact.

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ks preschools, early education, kaiāulu, ʻohana engagement, waialua, haleiwa, north shore

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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Waialua, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Preschools, Community Events, KS Kaiāulu, Oiwi Leaders, Preschools

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