October 16, 2004
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
On October 16, 1884, Bernice Pauahi Bishop passed the most precious gift she had, her lands, to those most precious to her, her children. She asked that her Trustees provide education for her people so that they might become "good and industrious men and women".
And now, in just a few weeks, we will stand before the 9th Circuit Court to uphold the decision made by Judge Kay that supports our right to continue to do what Pauahi asked us to do.
This truly is a matter of great concern for the Hawaiian people, and, as we have seen since this lawsuit was first filed, Hawaii's larger community has been very generous in their support of preserving Kamehameha Schools' ability to best serve the Hawaiian people. We have just a few of the our many supporters represented here today.
To echo what Nainoa shared, I want everyone who supports Kamehameha Schools to know that we are fully prepared and singularly focused on defending our preference policy. The same excellent legal team that successfully defended our policy before Judge Kay will present our arguments before the appeals court. They are well prepared and ready for the task ahead.
It is absolutely fitting that the arguments will be heard here in Hawaii. In the homeland of Princess Pauahi and the children she gave her wealth to educate. Hawaiians have made tremendous strides. There are Hawaiian leaders in every industry and field of endeavor in this state and Hawaiians are contributing to every corner of this world.
Pauahi has helped make this possible. But we still have work to do, and preserving the preference policy will allow us to finish the job Pauahi started.
Our work at Kamehameha Schools has been underway for 117 years. Our campuses have become symbols of Hawaiian progress and excellence for our people and for our community. But there is so much more to what Kamehameha Schools has become.
> We have been working diligently to extend Pauahi's gift further into our communities.
> We are committed to funding and assisting charter schools that emphasize Hawaiian cultural values and practices.
> We are increasing early education programs that prepare our keiki to succeed in school.
> We are opening up our lands for cultural and educational experiences that attract students from every segment of our community.
> We are providing scholarships to students who do not attend Kamehameha Schools so that they may benefit from Pauahi's gifts as well.
Kamehameha Schools is an educational force that benefits our entire state, and this is the work we need to continue in order to achieve the vision of our founder: restoring the Hawaiian people to their rightful place of pride and leadership within their own homeland. Children and families who are proud of their heritage and themselves and are given tools and support, thrive and become vital builders of their communities. A vibrant Hawaiian culture will keep Hawaii the kind of place that makes all of us want to live and raise our children here.
On the morning of November 4, Kamehameha Schools will be hosting a special prayer service on the UH campus, where the appeals hearing will be held. The prayer service will be held at the UH Baseball Field. We are inviting all Kamehameha Schools supporters – Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike - to join us as we reflect on what Pauahi's gift has meant to all of us. Pauahi was a devout Christian. We believe that praying to Ke Akua for guidance and support is what she would have done and would want us to do. Please join us on this historical day.
It is my honor now to introduce a man who has singularly touched more Hawaiian students at Kamehameha Schools than many of us…falling short only of our dear Aunty Gladys Brandt…Dr. Michael Chun, Headmaster of our Kapalama Campus.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
