Trustee Elliot Mills Investiture Ceremony

October 23, 2017

Kamehameha Schools honored newly appointed trustee Elliot Kawaiho‘olana Mills at a recent investiture ceremony at Kawaiaha‘o Church, where Princess Pauahi once worshiped. Mills was selected by the State Probate Court to replace former trustee Janeen-Ann Olds and began his term on Oct. 1, 2017.

Mills is vice president of hotel operations for Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa – a major employer on O‘ahu’s Leeward Coast. He has worked in Hawai‘i’s travel industry for more than 25 years, holding executive and resort management positions on various islands with brands such as Marriott, Hyatt and Outrigger.

Mills was born in Hilo and is a graduate of Saint Joseph High School. He holds a degree in travel industry management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and completed the Cornell Hospitality Management General Managers Program.

His initial five-year board term will end in 2023, with the option to petition for reappointment at the end of his term for an additional five years.

Prior to the investiture ceremony, KS trustees visited the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala, the final resting place of Kamehameha Schools founder Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop. From left to right: Robert K.W.H. Nobriga, Lance Keawe Wilhelm, Micah Alika Kāne, Elliot Kawaiho‘olana Mills, and Corbett A.K. Kalama.

Trustees humbly present ho‘okupu (ceremonial gifts) to honor the princess at the Kamehameha crypt.

Attendees rise during for the start of KS ceremonial investiture of Trustee Mills on October 20, 2017 at Kawaiaha‘o Church.

Princess Pauahi’s portrait is adorned with maile lei, and red roses - her favorite flower.

Members of the royal societies were in attendance.

Kamehameha Schools Chief Executive Officer, Jack Wong, gives a message of welina (welcome) to attendees.

Trustee Chairman Micah Kāne, provides ‘ōlelo ho‘olauna (introductory remarks).

Nā KS kahu ask Trustee Mills and his family to accept the 'Charge to Trustee' and to support each other as an ‘ohana. Standing beside him are wife, Ruth, son Connor and daughter Taylor.

Trustee Mills accepts the kuleana as trustee as nā KS kahu and others lay hands on him.

Trustee Mills' wife Ruth, son Connor, daughter Taylor, mother Maxine, godfather Al Souza, Souza's daughter in-law Bernie, and Souza's son Al Souza look on.

KS CEO Jack Wong presents an o'o stick and baibala (bible) to Trustee Mills. Both are symbols of responsibility and strength.

Mele ho‘olana na‘au / ula ho‘okupa‘a (expressions of inspiration and resolve) are performed by the KS Kapālama Hawaiian Ensemble under the direction of Kumu Hula Kaleo Trinidad.

Trustee Elliot Mills shares words of gratitude.

KS Maui Kahu Kalani Wong provides the benediction with Acting KS Kapālama Kahu Sherman Thompson and KS Hawai‘i Kahu Kaunaloa Boshard.

The congregation sings the closing hīmeni "Ho‘onani i ka Makua Mau."

Blowing of pū kani signal the end of the ceremonial investiture.

Sister Kristi Mills and mother Maxine Mills congratulate the new trustee.

Kamehameha staffers and students provided entertainment during the celebratory reception at 801 South Street. They are: Keala Kwan, KSK senior Samson Achuela, Keoni Kelekolio, Randie Fong, Manu Boyd, Kāwika McGuire, Kaleo Trinidad, and Jeep Briones on sound.

Kamehmeha students perform during Trustee Mills’ reception.

The vibrant array of lei presented to Trustee Mills.

Photo galleries

Trustee Elliot Mills Investiture Ceremony

Kawaiaha‘o Plaza

KS Hawai‘i

KS Kapālama

KS Maui