Kamehameha seniors service their community

October 13, 2011

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

Starting as a massive trash pick-up day at Waimānalo Beach Park a couple years ago, this year marks the largest Senior Service Day yet, as the 450 students were spread amongst 16 different service organizations that Kamehameha partnered with. The activities ranged from planting native plants at the Kūkaniloko Birthstones State Monument to instructing and conducting lessons and activities for keiki at Pūnana Leo o Kawaiaha'o.

"Senior Service Day connects us to the phenomenal work ethic our kupuna have had for centuries," Kale Kau'i, KS-Kapālama Character Education Coordinator, said. "Work hard, expect nothing in return and give from the na'au. At Kamehameha-Kapālama, we are returning to the basics, to the piko of what makes us a truly Hawaiian school. And that is, 'ma ka hana ka 'ike,' in work there is knowledge. Our haumāna are excited to serve these communities of O'ahu because they know that being pa'ahana, or productive, activates a na'au-based wisdom that cannot be obtained within the four walls of the classroom."

One activity that hit very close to home for those on the Kapālama campus was the partnership with the Honolulu Police Department Kalihi Community Weed & Seed program. Students there helped to pick up trash and paint over graffiti in the neighboring Kalihi community.

"It's always good to see kids come out to the community and to connect at this level," said Teisa, Eteuati, a police officer assigned to the Kalihi area and part of the Weed and Seed and Community Policing program. "Kamehameha is part of our Kalihi community, so it's great that they come out to improve the place where we all work, live and play."

The 2011-12 school year marks the launching of an integrated service learning project as KS connects the classroom to the community. It is all part of an effort by Kamehameha's Character Education Department to enhance the annual "Community Service Day" into a meaningful "Service Learning" initiative.

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 nearly 5,400 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 1,500 keiki at 31 preschool sites statewide. Approximately 38,500 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers 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. For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu.

Media Contact: Liz Ahana 534-3872