A new Kamehameha Schools Service Awards tradition pays homage to the schools’ beloved founder, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, and the Hawaiian language and culture she held so dear.
KS service award honorees based at Kawaiahaʻo Plaza (KS’ Honolulu headquarters) recently became the first to commemorate their milestone years at Mauna ʻAla, the final resting place of the princess.
The trust’s Human Resources and Hoʻokahua Cultural Vibrancy groups partnered to orchestrate the inaugural Mauna ʻAla ceremony. Their goal was to create an experience that is uniquely “Kamehameha,” as KS continues to transform into a high-performing, mission-driven Native Hawaiian organization.
The cultural journey of the honorees began a month ago when papahana (workshops) were offered to prepare them for their special day. Each workshop touched upon the history and significance of Mauna ʻAla, proper hoʻokupu (ceremonial gift) protocol, mele (songs), and an oli (chant).
A special hoʻokupu workshop, on the day before the ceremony, taught interested employees how to gather palapalai (fern) to make lei, and lāʻī (ti leaves) to make pūʻolo (traditional lei carriers).
On the morning of the ceremony, service awardees stood outside the gates of Mauna ‘Ala and offered the Kamehameha Schools staff oli (chant), “Nā Kini Pua Lei Mamo Hawaiʻi,” (Generations of Hawaiian Youth Blossoming Forth).
Once upon the sacred ground, honorees were given time to reflect on their collective contributions to KS, and to reaffirm their commitment to Pauahi’s legacy. Their mele, oli and lei were presented as hoʻokupu in honor of Princess Pauahi, at her gravesite.
“While I was initially reluctant to attend [the ceremony] because of our busy workload at the end of the fiscal year, I’m so glad that I did,” says KS Financial Analyst Richard Gomoto, a 10-year service awardee. “It brought perspective to all the work that we do here at KS.”
Vice President of Human Resources Winona White believes that the new Service Awards tradition honors the past, present and future of the organization.
“Beginning the day at Mauna ʻAla was a special way to honor and mahalo Pauahi for the opportunity to serve Kamehameha Schools,” says White. “We are reminded that there have been many who have come before us and have paved the way for the good work that we do each day. Our work will benefit future generations who will serve Pauahi’s legacy long after we are gone – this is our legacy of service.”
After the ceremony, the honorees joined the rest of the KP employee ʻohana for a luncheon at the Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center on the KS Kapālama campus. Together they celebrated service award staffers and a successful fiscal year for KS. The event – emceed by Director of Land Assets Neil Hannahs – included ʻono (delicious) Hawaiian food, entertainment, and a group singing competition à la Kamehameha’s annual Song Contest!
Before beginning the formal program, KS Chief Executive Officer Jack Wong conveyed a heartfelt “mahalo” to the honorees for their years of hard work and dedication to the schools’ educational mission. He concluded his message by saying that their knowledge, expertise and continued commitment is essential to create a vibrant future for native Hawaiians.
Photographer Michael Young captured highlights of the KP Service Awards workshops, ceremony and celebration. Scroll down to see related photo galleries.
Beginning the day at Mauna ʻAla was a special way to honor and mahalo Pauahi for the opportunity to serve Kamehameha Schools. We are reminded that there have been many who have come before us and have paved the way for the good work that we do each day.
Winona White, KS Vice President of Human Resources
Their journey began a month ago with cultural papahana (workshops). Above, KS Cultural Consultant Manu Boyd teaches mele (songs) to staffers.
A special papahana taught staffers how to craft palapalai (fern) lei to be offered as hoʻokupu (ceremonial gifts) to honor Pauahi.
At Mauna ʻAla, service awardees offered mele, oli and lei as hoʻokupu in honor of Pauahi and reflected on their service to her legacy.
After the ceremony honorees joined the rest of the KP employee 'ohana at KS' Kaʻiwakīloumoku Hawaiian Cultural Center for 'ono food, launa (socializing), and entertainment.
The celebration culminated with a group singing competition à la Kamehameha’s annual Song Contest!
Related photo galleries
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