Kalani Poakalani Hiapo
Name Kalani Paoakalani Hiapo
Age 39
Town/Moku Nanakuli
Island Oʻahu
Social Media Handle @hoouluike
Nominated by Penina Tofete, Trisha Okawa
Leadership Category Education
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.
Aloha. 'O Kalani Hiapo ko'u inoa. No Nanakuli mai au, aka noho au ma Makaha. About 10 years ago I begin the journey of hosting my first hula enrichment program. Through this program, Ho'oulu 'Ike, we relate traditional practices with academia strengthening cultural awareness and reinforcing its purpose and relevance to the world today. Throughout the years I've had the honorable opportunity to share this method with other halau, teachers and organizations, including a Distance Learning Conference with Kamehameha Schools. In the hight of the journey, I was offered a position with the intent to implement the programs' curriculum with a charter school. Currently I am the Kumu Hula at Ka Waihona O Ka Na'auao Public Charter School in Nanakuli. The program has increased student engagement and cultural curiosity. Through this program we hope to strengthen the student's sense of Hawai'i and Belonging.
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?
My work is important to me because it allows individuals to explore beyond the given context and play in realm of creativity relating old experiences to new ones. Everything we can learn are hidden within our mele/oli. From place-base learning to the application of life skills, all of these learnings are beneficial and relatable to each individual. As most things, I hope to this type of practice will strengthen our community and unify our lahui.
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.
The qualities of leadership I admire are, to me, the hardest yet simplest methods to implement when being a great leader. #1: Effective Communicator. What does good communication look like (ie. Chain of command, Language, Proactive Knowledge that affect future planning, update meetings, and effective meeting agendas.)? #2: Collaborative Work Ethic. Contributing to the greater good and understanding that everyone has a specific role to help move the wa'a to success. #3: Accountability. Someone who will own up to their mistakes and give credit where credit is due. #4: Appreciative. Showing gratitude is the most powerful thing, yet is overlooked by most. Letting all members who are involved know in away way that they are important and you appreciate their efforts and you look forward to working with them.
I express all of these qualities in my life whether it be my student, school staff, friends & family, and even strangers that I feel need to know they are appreciate for what they do. These qualities have shown unmeasurable improvements to my worklife and quality of life.
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?
The people that inspire me to do what I do are the individuals that participate in my programs. As an educator, it's very rewarding to see students connect the dots of traditional practices to modern academia. We have rich discussions with engaging activities all leading to new discoveries of old and new. Whether those who are familiar with the art of hula or just beginning, every individual has a journey of their own and their winnings and challenges are also mine and that in itself, is inspiring.
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?
Enrichment. To me this means that the educational focus is a students interest not the western academic approach.
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?
Trauma. Generational & Cultural Trauma has definitely made an impact in our lahui.