Nov. 20, 2015

Contributed by Nadine Lagaso

Longtime Kamehameha Schools Land Assets Director Neil Hannahs was named Kamaʻāina of the Year by the Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation (HHF). The prestigious award honors leaders who have contributed to preserving Hawai‘i’s history, culture and essential places.

Hannahs accepted the award on behalf of KS land assets team members past and present, whose tireless efforts transformed the land management policies and practices of the organization.

“The Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation lauded our preservation of cultural heritage; creation and growth of place-based education; stewardship of native landscapes; and strengthening of communities, enterprises and our next generation of leaders,” said Hannahs, who now serves as executive strategy consultant in KS’ Strategy and Innovation Division.

“Congratulations and mahalo for serving with dedication, and contributing in extraordinary ways to our mission.”

Nearly 600 family members, friends and colleagues celebrated Hannahs’ achievements recently during an HHF benefit dinner at Waikīkī’s historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

In addition to the award, Hannahs received nā makana (gifts) from friends and family. His wife Mariane – a retired KS Kapālama Elementary School kumu – gave the gift of hula in honor of her husband, and KS Director of Natural and Cultural Resources Ulalia Woodside composed “No Kahoʻokele He Inoa – A Name Song for Kahoʻokele” and performed the chant as a makana to her mentor.

Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning performers offered mele as nā makana to the honoree. They included the duo Kūpaoa featuring Hannahs’ daughter Līhau Paik and husband Kellen.

Historic Hawai‘i Foundation Executive Director Kiersten Faulkner said that Hannahs was honored for his lasting contributions to preserving historic places through culture-based land stewardship.

“The core programs for Historic Hawai‘i Foundation are based on helping people save places that matter,” said Faulkner.

“Neil’s leadership in the areas of cultural and natural resource management and community enrichment were a natural fit for the foundation. He demonstrated his commitment to cultural preservation at places such as Loko I‘a He‘eia, Waipā Ahupua‘a, Kahalu‘u-Keauhou Ma Kai, and through ongoing programs for other agricultural, natural and culturally-significant lands across the islands.”

The Kama‘āina of the Year honoree is selected by a committee of the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation board members and past honorees. Since the program’s inception in 1988, honorees have included Senator Daniel Akaka, artist and historian Herb Kane, and beloved songwriter Irmgard Farden Aluli.

Hannahs is a 1969 Kamehameha Schools graduate who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and master’s degree in secondary education from Stanford University.

He joined KS in 1974 as an extension education program specialist. Through the years he served in various leadership roles including public affairs director and regional land director.

In 2000, he was named director of KS’ Land Assets Division where he shifted the paradigm for land stewardship to include a balance of cultural, economic, educational, environmental and community benefits.

Upon reflecting on his service to Princess Pauahi’s legacy, Hannahs says that his land stewardship philosophy has remained simple.

“We are who we are because of where we are. Our cultural uniqueness results from our relationship to this land which is like no other place on earth. Caring for land is a way for us to connect to the source of our identity.  Land is not ʻāina without people. Our stewardship sustains this relationship.

“Although this award is much more than I feel I deserve, it is a memory I will forever cherish.”

Hannahs will retire from Kamehameha Schools on Founder’s Day, December 19, after 42 years of service. He plans to launch an independent business that will sustain and expand his commitment to develop ʻōiwi leadership and support social enterprises that enhance the well-being of the Lāhui.

Neil’s leadership in the areas of cultural and natural resource management and community enrichment were a natural fit for the foundation. He demonstrated his commitment to cultural preservation at places such as Loko I‘a He‘eia, Waipā Ahupua‘a, Kahalu‘u-Keauhou Ma Kai, and through ongoing programs for other agricultural, natural and culturally-significant lands across the islands.
Kiersten Faulkner, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation Executive Director

Among the programs developed during Hannahs’ tenure was First Nations Futures, a partnership that cultivates native leaders in cultural and natural resources. Many of the program’s alumni honored him at the awards ceremony. Hannahs will retire on KS’ Founder’s Day, Dec. 19 and launch an enterprise that will continue to strengthen ʻōiwi leadership.

Maenette Benham, dean of UH’s Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, and HHF Trustee Cissy Farm present Hannahs with the Kamaʻāina of the Year award.

Hannahs’ wife Mariane – a retired KS Kapālama Elementary School kumu – gave a gift of hula in honor of her husband.

KS Director of Natural and Cultural Resources Ulalia Woodside composed and chanted a name song for Hannahs as a makana to her mentor.

The musical duo Kūpaoa featuring Hannahs’ daughter Līhau Paik and husband Kellen gave the gift of mele to Hannahs and nearly 600 guests.