Kuiokalani Gapero

Name Kuiokalani Gapero

social media @kumu_kui

Age 37

Town/Moku Wailuku

Island Maui

Leadership Category Education

Nominated by Robin Prais

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

No Maui mai wau. I left home to board at Kamehameha Schools in my 7th grade year. Graduating from Kamehameha Kapālama, I went on to the military for some time while I attending college at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Having had a variety of experiences over the years, I finally moved back to Maui where I am currently a 6th grade Social Studies teacher at the Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus. I call the class Papa ʻŌiwi and my goals is to really establish an understanding of what it means to be a kanaka ʻōiwi. Through moʻolelo and experiences, I hope students leave my class knowing the importance of kuleana and expectations associated with them.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

I often commit myself to community functions and educational outreach opportunities because I love to share whatever knowledge I have so others can take it and grow. I know that we all have busy lives and that there are societal pressures coming from all angels, but by offering opportunities and providing resources I know someone will benefit. Working with the community, I encourage others to build upon inquiry promote curiosity, engage in activities, and become the experts so our future kūpuna can innovate and expand the ʻike for their future kūpuna.

Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

I have always looked up to leaders who are active. Who are not afraid to lead by example. Who are able to empathize with situations and circumstances. Who are promote collaboration and openly encourage ideation. Leaders who are able to make sound decisions under pressure while holding themselves accountable when things go south. For me, I try my best to emulate those qualities for all. I know my own keiki are watching me as they grow and I want them to show that there are a lot of factors when being a leader, but how you treat people should always be considered.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

To name just a few would be hard to do as there are many kumu in my life. I make the most connections to my own upbringing which then provided me the experiences to grow. My father being the cultural foundation. My mother being the example of relationships and connections. My mentors for teaching me humility and purpose. My wahine and my keiki for holding me accountable. All who have been in my life has set me on my current path.

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Kuleana - For out people to hold themselves accountable for their responsibilities.

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

Naʻaupō - Ignorance