Kauikeaouli

Akelina Tibayan is a graduate of Ke Kula ‘o Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u in Kea‘au, Hawai‘i. She is a lifelong speaker of ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i and dove straight into teaching as she furthered her education. She taught at Pūnana Leo o Hilo, and is currently a kumu at Pūnana Leo o Kona.

Jesse Kekoa Kaho‘onei, a husband and father of three daughters, and lineal descendant of the chiefs, kahuna, and commoners of Kona, Hawai‘i. He received a bachelor’s degree in ‘Ike Hawai‘i with a focus in Mālama ‘Āina at Hawai‘inuiākea - University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He is the Site Director for Kahalu‘u Kūāhewa, under Huliauapa‘a, restoring wahi kūpuna as a traditional agricultural landscape and reconnecting kānaka to ‘āina.

Kaho‘okahi Kanuha is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, is a kupa of Kona, a graduate of the first papa (class) of Pūnana Leo o Kona, a former ‘Ehunuikaimalino kumu, and the current Manakia Hale Kipa ‘Ōiwi (Hale Kipa ‘Ōiwi Manager) for the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo.

Tehani Lau, born and raised in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, she is the first in her family to send her keiki to a Hawaiian Immersion school. Choosing to be a part of Aha Pūnana Leo has positively impacted her and her ohana in many ways that allow them to prosper in knowing the Hawaiian language and culture.

Mahina Paishon Duarte, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, is a Native Hawaiian leader, businesswoman, community activator, champion of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, and a makua Pūnana Leo.