December 13, 2004
Contributed by Liz Ahana
Kamehameha Schools' Strategic Plan 2000-2015 embraces the institution's seven values: Aloha (love), 'Imi na'auao (to seek knowledge), Malama (to care for), 'Ike pono (to understand), Kuleana (responsibility), Ho'omau (to persevere), and Ha'aha'a (humility).
With these values in-mind, KS' CEO Dee Jay Mailer and members of leadership set forth an initiative asking staff to develop projects or practices that would embody the spirit and meaning each value conveys.
As their part of this project, KS' Endowment Group asked various departments to complete these kapa for organizations in the community - personifying the value of Kuleana.
"This project enabled us as a Kamehameha community to give to those in need. Given the time of year, we learned to value our responsibility to our community, about who we are as an organization, and as individuals who gave our time and talents to prepare these special gifts," said Denise Kauhi, coordinator for the kapa project.
Staff felt that this is what Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop would've wanted. "Our founder, Princess Pauahi was a talented seamstress and possessed a heart of gold – it is with her in mind that we bestow these gifts to chosen community service organizations – helping others in need as Pauahi would've done herself," said Kirk Belsby, vice president, Endowment Group.
Kamehameha Schools is a statewide educational system founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Currently, more than 5,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry are enrolled in K-12 campuses on three islands and at more than 30 preschool sites statewide. An additional 145,000+ Hawaiian learners are also being served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools outreach programs, distance learning programming, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawaii and across the continental United States.
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
