A kupuna gave a lei to Dr. Walter Kahumoku at the beginning of the two-day Native Hawaiian Education Summit. Dr. Kahumoku gave the welcome address to the more than 400 registered attendees.
A panel of experts in Native Hawaiian Education gave their views on where Native Hawaiian Education needs to go and how to get there.
Attendees participated in facilitated conversations on determining the next steps in advancing Hawaiian language and identifying Native Hawaiian success indicators for students.
After lunch, music and hula provided a nice break from the serious discussions.
At a different gathering, the Kāpili ʻOihana Internship Program (KOIP) held its hōʻike at the Dole Ballrooms. Students made presentations about their internship experiences. Intern Maxwell Mukai worked on a project for the KS Land Division to determine if it was feasible to implement renewable energy sources like hydro and solar in Punuluʻu Valley to help lessee farmers lower their energy costs.
KS CEO Jack Wong gave the keynote address following the lunch break. He emphasized that the value of internships lies in gaining valuable early experiences that lead to a progression in skills that employers seek in job applicants.
KOIP staffers brought the hōʻike to a close with a certificate of completion awards ceremony. At far right, Counselor Renee Jorg reads off the intern names. At left, Program Manager Heidi Dangaran presents kukui nut lei to the interns, and Counselor Michel Arakaki passes out the certificates.
The 2015 KOIP interns with their certificates of completion
The KS Community Education Group (CEG) assembled at the Koʻolau Ballrooms to welcome new team members. Some of the staffers were formerly with other KS groups and this was the first meeting of the reorganized group.
Interim Vice President of Community Education Wai’ale’ale Sarsona addresses the staff. Now under the CEG umbrella are Extension Educational Services, Literacy Instruction and Support, Hoʻolako Like, Kauhale Kipaipai, Distance Learning and the Hi’ilani program.
Staff members sampled some of the multimedia educational products produced by the Extension Education and Distance Learning divisions.
The Hiʻilani program demonstrates how it teaches ʻohana how to deal with common problems in raising keiki.
Another gathering took place, this time with KS Kapālama High School faculty members. Teachers returned to work a week before the start of school to begin preparing for the students. But first, new teachers are introduced to the faculty. Here, veteran speech teacher introduces new performing arts teacher Kayce Ae’a
Some of the introductions are hilarious and the faculty members are happy to welcome their new colleagues.
Later, the faculty reconvened at Mauna ’Ala, the Royal Mausoleum in Nu’uanu. New principal Sheena Alaiasa talked about the importance of fulfilling Princess Pauahi’s legacy of providing a great education to Hawaiian children.
The faculty formed a lei around the tombs of Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi in a display of aloha, unity and commitment.
