Six honored in Hawaiian community

Advertiser Staff

Six community and cultural leaders known for their contributions to Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaiian community received the Order of Ke Ali'i Pauahi at an awards presentation last night at the Hawai'i Theatre.

The honorees were:

• Isabella Abbott, a botanist and University of Hawai'i professor noted for her research on traditional Hawaiian plants.
• Noa Emmett Aluli, a physician and environmentalist active in the protection of Kaho'olawe who helped establish Na Pu'uwai, Moloka'i's Native Hawaiian healthcare system that focuses on preventive care.
• Winona Beamer, a storyteller, musician, composer and Hawaiian cultural scholar whose current projects include plans for a Hawaiian education center in Honomu.
• Pualani Kanahele, a kumu hula, educator and foundation executive who has helped convey grants to Hawaiian college scholars.
• David Peters, a retired Army colonel and trustee for the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust who also helped start Alu Like and volunteers for many Hawaiian organizations.
• Matsuo Takabuki, a former Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate trustee who helped establish the Kamehameha Elementary Education Program and finances scholarships for Hawaiian postgraduate students.

The awards were presented by the Ke Ali'i Foundation, a nonprofit charitable support organization of Kamehameha Schools.