May 5, 2007
Contributed by Thomas Yoshida
Ka'ai comes to Kamehameha after serving as middle school principal of Mid-Pacific Institute for the past three years. She spent more than 17 years teaching 6th grade at Mid-Pacific Institute and Pū'ōhala Elementary School. Ka'ai also taught five summers of Kamehameha's popular summer enrichment program, Ho'omaka'ika'i Explorations. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and she has two master's degrees in education - in curriculum and instruction and in private school leadership. Ka'ai replaces Dr. Sandy Young, who is retiring after 37 years of service to Kamehameha Schools.
"We are very excited to welcome Pua into our 'ohana," said Dr. Michael J. Chun, president and headmaster of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. "Pua has more than 20 years of experience, as a principal, teacher and program instructor, in both public and private schools. She's a proven leader with a strong educational philosophy and endless passion for teaching our keiki." 
Maui Campus' Lois Nishikawa has been Acting Middle School Principal since January, after then-principal Lee Ann Delima was named Maui Campus Headmaster. Nishikawa has been with the Maui campus since it first opened in temporary facilities in 1996. Her most recent position was as Outreach Director for Maui Campus, where she also taught elementary school. She worked in Kamehameha's Extension Education Division on O'ahu for nine years before moving to Maui. She holds a BA in elementary education and an MA in curriculum and instruction.
"We are pleased that Lois has chosen to share her talents and experience with the Kamehameha Schools Maui 'ohana in a new leadership role," said Maui Headmaster Lee Ann Delima. "Lois is well grounded in Hawaiian and Christian values and is known as a very personable and efficient person with a bright sense of humor."
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling more than 6,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 30 preschool sites statewide. Thousands of additional Hawaiian learners are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States. Through such community collaborations, whole communities are served by this legacy, Hawaiians and others alike, so that the entire State of Hawai'i benefits.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
