Dec. 18, 2025

From kūpuna and ‘ōpio to alumni and community members, hundreds across the pae ʻāina have been gathering at Kamehameha Schools’ E Ulu Koa engagements to stand under one banner: Ola Pauahi, Ola Hawaiʻi.

The community meetings are part of KS’ response to a legal challenge to its admissions policy, providing updates and historical context about Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop’s mission. Each session included updates from Ke Kula ‘o Kamehameha leadership and time for attendees to ask questions, building pilina across the islands.

The gatherings drew on the metaphor of an ulu koa: many trees with deep roots, standing stronger and more resilient together.

“She [Pauahi] was very clear about what she wanted to do for the people she loved — her people,” said Kēhaunani Abad KSK’82, VP of KS’ Uluhiwa Strategy and Experience division. “This is the time when we have to arm ourselves with intellect and know how to talk about it when we’re out there.”

At each meeting, leadership explained how current civil rights laws are being applied and outlined what this case could mean moving forward. Attendees asked about next steps, how long it may take for the case to be settled with a court decision or ruling and what they can do in their own communities to share accurate information. The evenings often closed with talking story over dinner for a chance to connect and reflect with one another.

“This is about her legacy — about what our aliʻi left us — and coming together as ʻohana to carry it on,” one attendee said during the closing pule in Nānākuli.

Alongside these in-person gatherings, KS has launched “Letters from the Lāhui,” a community campaign inviting anyone to share written reflections about Pauahi’s impact that could strengthen our collective stand during this legal challenge. Early submissions from current haumāna and alumni to participants in community programs highlight a wide range of meaningful experiences. One writer described how Hoʻomakaʻikaʻi, KS Kapālama’s legacy summer program, helped them feel more grounded in their Hawaiian identity. Through their high school years, they continued to learn about themselves and the values that would guide them into adulthood.

“My biggest takeaway from Kamehameha Schools is… that I can make a difference,” the writer said. “With that opportunity comes the responsibility to help others and pass on all that I was gifted.”

Another contributor, who came to KS through scholarships and internships, shared how this support helped them pursue higher education and reconnect with ʻike kupuna.

“Your legacy has supported my journey as a scholar and strengthened my ea,” they wrote to Pauahi. “This gratitude and aloha are an infinity for the foundations you laid and the sacrifice and love that made it possible.”

These gatherings and letters display a lāhui moving forward in unity and kapu aloha during this important legal moment. By sharing your moʻolelo, you help affirm the importance of Pauahi’s vision at a time when it matters most. Help us to shape the future of her legacy by sharing yours here: bit.ly/lahuiletters