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Lāhui Rising is a new pilot of the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Cultural Event Series designed to provide a respectful, safe and enriching learning space to explore matters of Hawaiian interest.

Lāhui Rising provides a safe learning space for important issues

Feb. 14, 2017

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Hoʻōla Lāhui – Revitalizing the Hawaiian People – is a Kamehameha Schools cultural principle. It provides a framework for employees, haumāna and ʻohana to learn about and cultivate Hawaiian identity, history and culture within the context of a broader Hawaiian world view – kuanaʻike. New offerings like Lāhui Rising and other efforts from the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Cultural Event Series support efforts to educate and inform stakeholders on issues of relevance and importance.

Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama is offering a new pilot as part of its cultural events series, now in its 15th year.

Lāhui Rising is designed to create a respectful, safe and enriching learning space for students, staff, alumni, families and the community to hear and honor different voices and perspectives on matters of Hawaiian interest for purposes of education. 

The first offering will take place on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and features three KS alumni sharing their life’s work and views on Hawaiian governance as reflected in the work of the 2016 ʻAha, the Native Hawaiian Constitutional Convention.

The Feb. 16 speakers are:

  • Dr. Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa
    Director or Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies at Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at UH Mānoa
  • Michelle Kauhane
    President and CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA)
  • Brendon Kaleiʻāina Lee
    2nd VP, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and President of the KS Alumni Association - Oʻahu Region

“Students, parents and even kūpuna are starting to explore issues of governance, native rights, and land issues—some for the very first time,” shares Dr. Randie K. Fong, executive cultural officer and managing director of the Hoʻokahua Cultural Vibrancy Group, on the inspiration behind this long-anticipated program.

“They are looking for safe spaces to ask questions without feeling awkward or embarrassed. Many people don’t feel comfortable in politically tense environments, especially the youngest and oldest learners among us.

“Lāhui Rising reflects Kamehameha Schools’ commitment to education with a platform of aloha – it is not a public forum to debate or vet perspectives. Rather, it’s a safe learning space to respectfully listen to various points of view that may differ from one’s own, and be enriched and informed by that diversity.”

The Pauahi Foundation will also host a meet and greet with the three speakers prior to the presentation from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hale Mana at Kaʻiwakīloumoku. Registration for the meet and greet is requested and can be made on the pauahi.org registration page.

The Feb. 16 session is presented by the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Cultural Events Series, Kamehameha Schools Alumni Relations Office and KS Kapālama Social Studies Department. For more information, contact Jamie Fong, Kaʻiwakīloumoku manager, at 842-8655 or jafong@ksbe.edu.

A second Lāhui Rising presentation is scheduled on Monday, April 10, 2017 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The presentation, Welo Ana e Ka Hae Hawaiʻi – Songs of Aloha ʻĀina, will present the history of the Hawaiian flag and share songs that reflect a deep love and devotion for Hawaiʻi.

Strategic Plan 2020
SP2020 is a five-year strategic plan that will guide Kamehameha Schools from 2015 to 2020. The plan marks a starting point toward KS’ Vision 2040, which envisions success for all Native Hawaiian learners.

This event series addresses Goal 3 of SP2020 which calls for KS to cultivate a Native Hawaiian identity within its learners. It also supports Action 5 of Kamehameha’s Ten Actions for fiscal year 2017, calling for KS to integrate cultural principles system-wide.

Additional Events This Spring

In addition to Lāhui Rising, Kaʻiwakīloumoku will present the following events this Spring:

Letters to Aliʻi: Process and Product
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, 7-9 PM
Celebrating Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi – Hawaiian Language Month, come learn about a research project featuring historical writing by Hawaiʻi’s royalty. Featuring Dr. Puakea Nogelmeier, Dr. Tom Woods, Dr. Kapali Lyon and interns from Awaiaulu, a Hawaiian language resource development organization.

Nā Mele Lei: A Kanikapila Sing-Along! 
Monday, May 15, 2017, 7-8:30 PM
Celebrating the spirit of Lei Day throughout the month of May, bring your instruments and come for a kanikapila. Learn more about the background of various popular Hawaiian and Hapa Haole songs with lyrics and chords projected on screen.  Bring your ‘ohana and your voices for an enjoyable evening of music-making.


Dr. Lilikalā Kameʻeleihiwa, KSK '70


Michelle Kauhane, KSK '86


Brendon Kaleiʻāina Lee, KSK '87

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kapalama,cultural event series,ho 'okahua,ka 'iwakƒ´loumok,ho 'ola lāhui,cultural principles,hawaiian cultural vibrancy program,hawaiian culture,16-17action5,hawaiian governance,hawnleaders

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