Feb. 15, 2018

Contributed by Mae Nishimura

Leaders from Kamehameha Schools and ResortTrust Hawaiʻi – the owner of The Kāhala Hotel & Resort – gathered today to celebrate the beginning of a new partnership created to honor the past, reconnect to the ʻāina and forge a path forward toward a sustainable future.

The partnership was commemorated by a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony led by Kahu Daniel Akaka Jr.

The Kāhala Hotel & Resort is located on KS land. The collaboration will advance KS’ educational mission through an annual summer internship program for students and alumni, as well as career shadow days designed to enable students to explore careers in the hospitality industry.

“Working with the community is invaluable to achieving our mission of preserving and supporting Native Hawaiian culture, language and traditions,” said Kamehameha Schools CEO Livingston “Jack” Wong.

“We look forward to seeing this relationship grow, and we are grateful to be working with organizations like ResortTrust that see the importance education plays in creating healthy and thriving communities.”

The partnership will also increase sustainability efforts at The Kāhala while providing guests with experiences that honor the hotel’s Hawaiian heritage. A farm-to-table initiative will link The Kāhala’s premier restaurant, Hoku’s, with farmers working on KS lands to source locally grown produce.

KS will also lend its guidance to provide a historical and cultural context to events and activities at the resort.

“We believe we have a duty to honor the history of the land we stand on today, and a responsibility to carry on the legacy of The Kāhala with respect to the heritage of the people who came before us,” said Shigetoshi Ogino, senior vice president of ResortTrust Hawaiʻi.

“We feel privileged to work hand in hand with Kamehameha Schools to achieve this vision.”

The KS-Kāhala Resort collaboration will include a summer internship program for students and alumni, providing cultural guidance, and a sustainable food initiative involving KS farmers.

ResortTrust Hawaiʻi Senior Vice President Shigetoshi Ogino and KS CEO Jack Wong sign a proclamation of understanding for the partnership.