Kanahele-Mossman delivered an oli kahea commencing the traditional Kipaepae
ceremonies that would welcome her as the new Poʻokumu of Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo
Hawaiian Immersion School in Keaukaha. This momentous occasion attended by
students, staff, Local School Board representatives, family, Keaukaha community
members, and supporters marks an important time in Ka ʻUmekeʻs development as we
move into our second decade as a public charter school, seek accreditation, develop new
facilities, and expand our academic programs. In the words of one makua, whose
children have attended Ka ʻUmeke since we first opened our doors in 2001, “Huihui
represents what we have always wanted in a leader”, ties to Keaukaha, unparalleled
cultural knowledge, Hawaiian language immersion background, teaching experience,
formal academic achievement and professional training.”
The ceremonial serving of Awa led by Kumu Weller (Papa 3) and Kumu Keahi (Papa 9,
10) brought blessings in the form of rain. While the students chanting Na Pana Kaulana
an oli composed by the late Edith Kanakaʻole, maternal grandmother of Kanahele-
Mossman, that talks about Keaukaha and all the places that have become integral to Ka
ʻUmekeʻs program, was yet another sign that Ka ʻUmeke has stepped-up to take its place
as an enduring Keaukaha Hawaiian educational institution. The ceremony ended with the
eating of paʻakai, ulu and ʻuala to bring sustenance and growth.
As the students made their way back to their classrooms one could not help but feel the
excitement and renewed sense of energy that Dr. Kanahele-Mossman has brought to our
ʻohana. Hulo Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo!
Established in 2001 Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Hawaiian Immersion Public Charter School
located in Keaukaha on the island of Hawaiʻi serves over 250 students in grades K-10 by
providing experiential-based Hawaiian learning environments that foster the daily
practice of Hawaiian cultural beliefs, values, and knowledge; apply the wisdom of our
past to critically understand the present and create our legacy for the future; develop the
leadership for critical decision making regarding appropriate times to lead, stand alone, or
stand together; and develop effective communication skills in Hawaiian and English
contexts.