NEWS RELEASE

Kamehameha Schools names Kekoa Kaluhiwa senior director of Statewide Operations

Kaluhiwa will develop and lead CE&R statewide departments which include Leasing and Transactions, ʻĀina Engagement, and Natural and Cultural Resources.

HONOLULU (July 26, 2017) - Kamehameha Schools has named Kekoa Kaluhiwa senior director for the Statewide Operations Division of its Community Engagement and Resources (CE&R) Group.

Kaluhiwa will develop and lead CE&R statewide departments which include Leasing and Transactions, ‘Āina Engagement, and Natural and Cultural Resources. Additionally, he will work with regional teams, Strategy and Innovation, Administration, Finance, Legal and Education group leaders, and ensure quality, efficiency and effectiveness in service to the communities KS serves.

Prior to joining the KS ‘ohana, Kaluhiwa served as first deputy of the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) where he was responsible for managing, administering, and exercising control over public lands, water resources, ocean waters, navigable streams, and non-commercial coastal areas.

“Kekoa brings an unmatched breadth and depth of experience to the Kamehameha Schools ‘ohana,” said KS Vice President of Community Engagement and Resources Kā‘eo Duarte. “His experience with DLNR, strategic planning and proven ability to bring people to the table and execute will help move KS’ vision and mission forward.”

Kaluhiwa has also served as principal of Kuano‘o Communications, specializing in business development consulting in strategic public and government relations strategies, and director of External Affairs for First Wind Energy, providing community, government and media relations strategies in the successful development of several utility scale renewable energy projects in Hawai‘i.

A former executive assistant to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka, he was also a fellow with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a graduate intern in the former Land Assets Division of Kamehameha Schools.

“As someone who benefitted from the legacy of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi, I am deeply humbled to have this opportunity to support her vision for a thriving lāhui,” Kaluhiwa said. “Our natural and cultural resources are the foundation of our identity.  They teach us of our past, sustain us in the present, and offer hope for our future.  There is no greater kuleana than to ensure that we steward them wisely, for the enjoyment of future generations.  I look forward to joining the many talented and dedicated members within the Kamehameha 'ohana.”

Kaluhiwa is a KS Kapālama graduate and holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, with an emphasis in environmental planning and management theory.

###

About Kamehameha Schools

Founded in 1887 by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the Kamehameha Schools (KS) is a private, educational, charitable Native Hawaiian trust committed to improving the capability and wellbeing of our people through education. Income generated from its endowment portfolio of Hawai`i commercial real estate and other diverse investments funds more than 96 percent of KS’ educational mission.

Kamehameha Schools embarked in 2015 on a bold, exciting voyage that envisions, in one generation, a thriving Lāhui in which learners achieve postsecondary educational success, enabling good life and career choices. Grounded in Christian and Hawaiian values, learners will be leaders who contribute to their communities both locally and globally.

At the heart of this new journey are those who share this vision to ensure that all Native Hawaiians have the opportunity to succeed. Strong community collaborations, donor participation and key state, national and international partnerships are vital to creating the means to propel learners onto knowledge and career paths of their choice.

For more information, visit www.ksbe.edu.

Media Contact: Andrea Oka
(808) 269-7997
anoka@ksbe.edu