Hawaiian education meeting to honor 4

Advertiser Staff

The Rev. Darrow Aiona, Malia Craver, Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele and David Kaupu will be honored for their contributions to Hawaiian education at the third annual Native Hawaiian Education Association convention, which will be held today through Thursday at Leeward Community College.

They were named last week as Ke Kukui Malamalama award winners by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Aiona, a Waimanalo Homestead native who graduated from Iolani School and the University of Hawai'i — Manoa, is rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and a retired Leeward Community College sociology, religion and Hawaiian studies professor. He also served on the state's Board of Education.

A lifelong activist for Hawaiian causes, Aiona has also been a voice for education in Hawai'i and for Hawaiian education.

Craver was recognized for more than three decades of social work at Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, her training of nearly 100 students in the traditional healing practice of ho'oponopono and songwriting talent.

Kanahele has devoted her life to teaching Hawaiian culture, language and the arts. She has played a key role over the past 28 years in developing Hawaiian language and cultural programs at UH-Hilo, Maui Community College and Hawai'i Community College. Kanahele serves as president of her family's nonprofit organization, the Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation, and is a kumu hula for Halau o Kekuhi.

Kaupu, a retired Kamehameha Schools chaplain, continues to serve the community at Kaumakapili Church in Kalihi as a kahu, or spiritual adviser. He willingly shares his knowledge of Hawaiian culture and traditions. "Aloha isn't aloha unless you give it away," he says.

OHA has been recognizing four Hawaiian educators with Ke Kukui Malamalama awards since 1991.