March 22, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved kumu, Dr. Kāwika Rose, who left us yesterday late afternoon.
 
Dr. Rose was a dedicated and committed educator whose love for teaching was evident in every lesson he created and every student he supported. He had a special gift for making mathematics meaningful and accessible, inspiring confidence, curiosity, and perseverance in our haumāna. While he truly loved teaching, he loved his haumāna even more—always leading with kindness, patience, and an unwavering belief in their ability to succeed.

He loved teaching; he loved his haumāna even more!
 
During this time of loss, we ask that you continue to keep Dr. Rose in your thoughts and prayers, and to support your keiki as they process this loss in their own way. His impact extended far beyond the classroom, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. Please also keep his ʻohana—Nikki, Tatum, his mother, and his sister - Trustee Crystal Rose and all who loved him—in your prayers, surrounding them with strength, comfort, and aloha.

For those haumāna enrolled in Dr. Rose’s classes this semester, we are working to ensure that you have the support you need in this transition.
 
As you enter the last week of your Spring Break, should you need any support – do not hesitate to reach out to members of our counseling and Behavioral Health Support team:

Counseling team:

• Jo-Lyn Mehau – jomehau@ksbe.edu
• Derek Nekoba – denekoba@ksbe.edu
• Donna Mahuna – domahuna@ksbe.edu
• Pōmaikaʻi Baptista – anbaptis@ksbe.edu
• Kaimiloa Yoshida – kayoshid@ksbe.edu
• Malcolm Helm – mlhelm@ksbe.edu 

Behavioral Health Support team:

• Dr. Tracey Wise – trwise@ksbe.edu
• Naʻauao Vivas – wavivas@ksbe.edu
• Min Shik Park –  mnpark@ksbe.edu
• Jo Anne Balberde-Kamalii – jokamali@ksbe.edu
• Kahea Kuamoʻo – chkuamoo@ksbe.edu

 
E hele a moe me Niolopua.