Round Table with Visiting Officials

On September 16, KSAA-East hosted a kükäkükä session with Mahealani Kamau`u
(`65 of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation) and Tony Sang (`56 of the Waimänalo Hawaiian Homes Association). While comfortably sitting in Phyllis and Kirk's living room, Mahealani and Tony shared their mana`o concerning many issues facing the Native Hawaiian community including the current Akaka/Inouye Federal Recognition Legislation, and the Department of Interior Reconciliation Report.

Presentations and the lively discussions that followed were informative and valuable. All who attended enjoyed the ono food and great fellowship with our brother and sister from home - Ka Pae `Äina O Hawai`i.

Kamehameha Schools Strategic Planning

As part of the Strategic Planning (SP) process, KSAA-East hosted two town Hall Meetings featuring a video tape presentation by the Kamehameha Schools leadership followed by a question and answer telephone conference with Neil Hannahs in January and the hosting of Dr. Michael J. Chun, President of the Kamehameha Schools in July. Alumni, stakeholders, and civilian leaders welcomed the opportunity to share their mana`o as well as participate in shaping the future of Kamehameha. Approved portions of the Strategic Plan will be implemented in October 2000.

Lä'Ohana III on April 22, 2000

The popularity of this event is growing with interesting topics and fun for all ages. Elsie "Kawao" Durante, Dr. Davianna McGregor, Bob Lubguban, Dr. Kerri-Anne Hewett, Yvonne Lefcourt, Corrina Luna, and Kalaukoa Chang presented topics on Hawaiian family values, crafts and games, an overview of Kaho`olawe, Native Hawaiian education issues, and Hawaiian forest birds.

Mahalo nui loa to the hardworking crew who planned, set-up, cooked, and cleaned up. The success of La `Ohana depends on alumni participation and their willingness to kokua.

La `Ohana Crew

Shani Butts (`94)

Kalaukoa Chang (`80)

Ululani Chang (`80)

Kirk Durante (`70)

Phyllis Durante (`73)

Aiko Joto (`98)

Bobby Lum Ho (`64)

Michelle Lum Ho

Kimo Wong (`71)

Hawaiian Language Classes

On April 7, 2000, we completed a 12-week pilot Hawaiian language class. The class was open to all KSAA-East members and their families and was held in an informal setting at Kirk and Phyl Durante's home. This dedicated group, including Charter member Wai Wing Seto ('41) had a lot of fun. We sang songs, talked about genealogies and Hawaiian history, discussed sovereignty issues, told stories from small kid time, laughed and teased each other, nui ka le`ale`a, and ate and ate and ate.........

Financial Aid Workshop

On February 5, 2000, KSAA-East sponsored Nani Espinda of the Native Hawaiian Higher Education Program to provide information to Native Hawaiians on the East coast concerning financial aid opportunities. Information was also provided by KSAA-East concerning the Native Hawaiian Leadership Project.

Kamehameha Schools Strategic Planning

On January 22, 2000, we held a strategic planning meeting for the future if the Kamehameha Schools. A good group attended the session which resulted in innovative ideas and valuable input. Neil Hannis joined the group by conference call for questions and discussion and remained engaged for nearly one hour. The information from the 3-hour plus group session was forwarded to the Kamehameha Schools. The Neil Hannis

 I mua Kamehameha!