Kaleo o Koolauloa newspaper, June 10, 2004

The parking lot at the BYU-Hawai'i Cannon Activities Center, fields and nearby streets were choked with cars, and hundreds of family, friends and guests ran the gauntlet of lei vendors to see 290 Kahuku High seniors in the Class of 2004 graduate on June 3rd.

It was their moment. They were proud and beautiful as the procession of young men in bright red and women in shining white robes, caps and tassels took their places, the overflowing audience standing respectfully in honor of their achievements.

Indeed, the achievements of the 2004 Kahuku graduates are notable: Principal Lisa DeLong pointed out Kahuku's 64th annual graduating class, in addition to earning their diplomas, collected 21 national awards, three state championships and eight OIA championships. Their theme — "Making Things Happen" — seemed particularly appropriate.

"For example, our We The People team was ranked among the top-10 in the nation," DeLong said; and senior class president Seta Lätü announced, "We're the first to get our senior [ceramic wall] tiles up before the end of the year." Other senior class officers include Alethea Galea'i, vice president; Bryce Mapu, secretary; and Moana Arp, treasurer.

After graduation committee chairpersons Theone Kritikos and Amber Heffernan recognized the many dignitaries and official visitors, the seniors shared their first medley about "the good old days": We remember all the times we had together, we will always be friends forever," they sang.

Superintendent Pat Hamamoto next told the graduates. "Your record is outstanding…and your parents should be very proud.

"As you go through life…always dream," she advised, "then just do it, and get it done."

As has been customary for some time, all 15 Kahuku seniors who accumulated more than a 4.0 grade point average — which is made possible by taking advanced placement classes — each took turns sharing their thoughts. For example, Reis Harney said he had "learned the value of being an individual" at Kahuku, but also "the value in the underlying unity."

Erin Bangerter compared Kahuku High to an "all-you-can-eat buffet [from which] you will never leave hungry. It's our time to rise and shine forth. The accomplishment of our dreams has just begun," she said. "Never lose our appetite for learning."

Donna Ramos suggested the graduates "must be like the [Kahuku High marching] band: in harmony, in tune and in step. What's our concept? One band, one sound — the keys to success."

Leilani Relator spoke of having to go through a wrestling match during her high school career "with only one arm…and losing." From this she drew the lesson: "The ability to pick myself up and continue; to me, that is true victory."

Tiffany Lee compared the contributions the Class of 2004 has made to the community as ripples in a pond, and encouraged her classmates to make some more. "Go out there and make the world a better place."

"What a journey we have just completed," said Melani Spielman. "What a journey we have yet to begin."

Other valedictorians included Bethany Smith, Chelsey Bunker, Natalie Kamau'oha — the 2003- 04 Kahuku correspondent for Kaleo, Alexandra Thompson, Jarom Casey, Rachel Dorr, Moana Arp, Angeline Takemoto and Jordan Williams.

Next, the seniors sang a second medley of songs from their "Latin fiesta" songfest, which rocked. "To our families and friends, muchos gracias from the Class of 2004," said Alethea Galea'i.

As school officials read the names of scholarship and award winners, many in the audience marveled that approximately 90 Kahuku High seniors had accumulated an incredible $1.57 million worth of scholarships, ranging from the full-ride four-year athletic scholarships, to full academic scholarships at prestigious universities . . . and more are expected before the new graduates start college in the fall.

The longest-running, most consistent of these scholarships include the Red Raider Awards, funded by the James and Abigail Campbell Foundation — which is closely associated with Kahuku Plantation; and the Hamashige Endowment Awards, funded by the descendants of the Kahuku Plantation family who, starting in the late 1800s, struggled to educate their children.

"Outstanding Red Raider" awards, which are first named at graduation, went to Moana Arp, Natalie Kamau'oha and student body president Ian Tapu; then to each of the valedictorians.

Other Red Raider awards included: Amber Heffernan and Lynise Foley, I dare you; Ida Leonardi, Donna Ramos and Esther Lätü, activities; Tiffany Lee, Rachel Door, Merekete Smith and Sheena-Marie Sabido, service; Bethany Smith, Farwin Sakulsinghdusit, Adriana Alghussein, Walker Vave and Keala Whitford, leadership; and Jenna Nihipali, Angeline Takemoto, 'Iolani Arrington, Alexandra Thompson, Ericka Staples, Karla Ta'ilele and Eli Blanchard, principal's awards.

Hamashige Endowment awards went to Angeline Takemoto, Aaron Rillamas, Abel Soares, Ida Leonardi, Chelsea Bunker, Bethany Smith, Natalie Kamau'oha and Reis Harney.

"We're grateful for your support of our young people," principal DeLong responded.

Senior Kahuku Junior ROTC group next honored the school's military partners from Schofield Barracks, who are currently fighting in the Middle East; and made a special diploma presentation to Luis Hangca Jr., 78, who as a young man from Kahana and a member of Kahuku High's first championship football team, left school before graduating to fight in World War II.

Hangca later helped start the Lä'ie surf lifesaving club in 1953 and earned a silver medal in a 1956 competition of surf lifesaving clubs held in Melbourne, Australia, in conjunction with the Olympics. He later served as a swimming coach at Waialua, served in the National Guard and retired from the federal government. The special award was made possible by the state DOE's World War II High School Diploma program.

As various school complex principals started handing out diplomas, it didn't take long for the graduates to show their jubilation and exuberance with a variety of moves that included certain motions, gestures and looks — even flips and tumbles — all accompanied, of course, by loud cheers, clapping and horn blasts from family and friends. A large overhead digital display showed graduate pictures as their names were read.

Once the diplomas were all handed out and a measure of calm restored, former Kahuku High principal and current complex area superintendent Lea Albert officially accepted the graduates on behalf of the Department of Education. "You are now and forever graduates of Kahuku High School," she said.

In her response, class president Lätü-Brown led the new graduates in a colorful display of mahalo signs to all the parents, teachers and family.

She then led an ongoing compliment to senior head advisor, Mr. Nate Blevins who, typically, had asked her not to mention his name. "Who's a lion on the outside, but a kitty cat on the inside?" she asked from the podium. "Mr. Blevins!" her classmates all answered. "Who's very much available, but is broke because of the Class of 2004? Mr. Blevins! Whose heart is bigger than his mouth? Mr. Blevins!" A long list of questions and the singular answer followed in a similar vein.

"Like the saying goes, all good things must come to an end," Lätü-Brown finally said, as the almost 300 Kahuku High graduates filed out of the CAC to meet their family and friends.

As usual, the display of aloha for the graduates was incredible for someone not accustomed to island graduations: There were balloons galore, mountains of leis, gifts, more leis, and lots of pictures . . . which soon ended as almost all the graduates participated in the overnight, alcohol and drug-free Project Grad.

Alex Galea'i wins PCC world fireknife championship

In the end, after almost 40 senior performances of the finest 'ailao afi in the world, Alex Lefolasa Galea'i of Lä'ie edged out Tuione Tovo, formerly of Lä'ie, by just two points to claim the title of the world fireknife dance champion in the Polynesian Cultural Center's 12th annual Sämoan Festival from May 13-15th.

Jeremy Slade of Kailua-Kona, who briefly dropped his knife in the second round of the finals when flaming gas splashed on his chest, came in third.

It was one of those competitions where you just wouldn't want to be a judge: All nine of the semi-finalists were outstanding. In addition to Galea'i and Tovo, the others from Ko'olauloa included: David Galea'i, who's originally from Lä'ie but has lived in the Cook Islands since 1999 - a three-time champion over the past years; Trumaine Oto of Lä'ie, a knifedancer with the Magic of Polynesia show in Waikïkï who won the PCC's junior competition at age 12; and Kapeneta "Kap" Te'o-Tafiti, the PCC's Sämoan ambassador.

"I love the rush on stage and stepping out of myself, trying to portray what warriors were like back in those days," said Alex Galea'i — a '95 Kahuku grad and the son of PCC Director of Cultural Islands Pulefano Galea'i, who originated the annual event. When he's not working as the back-up knife dancer at the Cultural Center, he's a musician-drummer.

"I love the fire knife: eating the fire, spinning the knives, and trying to make it look easy," he continued. "I love to entertain and help people enjoy themselves.

Tovo, a '94 Kahuku graduate and the son of Fakasi'i'eiki and Mele Tovo of Lä'ie, was a line dancer in the PCC night show during his high school years at Kahuku and now lives in Las Vegas.

He took second in both the first and second year of the PCC competition, where Cirque du Soleil scouts saw his crowd-pleasing skills and recruited him. He has since toured the world as a fireknife dancer. He performed regularly in Vegas until he was involved in a car crash a couple of years ago, is currently a VIP host and recently became a professional golfer.

Both Galea'i and Tovo started learning the knife dance from Pulefano when they were little kids — a skill Alex now teaches to other junior performers in Lä'ie. Galea'i first entered the PCC's competition in '94, when he was a junior at Kahuku High, and recorded his best results last year with a third place finish.

In the second round of the finals, it was probably Galeai's truly impressive three-knife move that gave him the edge over Tovo, whose tumbling and on-stage personality are incredible. Slade, perhaps the fastest dancer, seemed as surprised as the audience when the flaming gas from his knife splashed on his chest. He dropped the knife, swiped the fire out with his hands, and quickly resumed his dance…but the accident seemed to shake his rhythm a little, and probably cost him points.

For their incredible efforts, Galea'i won a $4,000 cash prize and large ceremonial nifo oti knife; Tovo got a $2,000 prize and knife; and Slade a $1,000 award and knife. After each received the prizes, Sämoan dancers carried Galea'i on a special victory march across the stage; and then in the true spirit of aloha, family and friends crowded on stage to present them with leis…and the three champions hugged each other.

Even as they smiled for the pictures, they were also probably thinking ahead to what they're going to do in 2005 when the PCC's 13th annual World Fireknife Dance Competition comes around again.

Pee-wee and junior competitions

On Friday, May 14th, it was truly amazing to see the skill of the pee-wee competitors, who ranged from 6-11 years old. In fact, even two four-year-olds performed incredible non-judged fireknife dances — one who twirled two knives — and the crowd went nuts.

Lä'ie kids Julius Tafiti and Marcus Muti were the top local finishers at second and third, respectively, leaving no question the future of PCC fireknife dancers is secure.

Junior division prizes went to Jaz Castillo, first place; Mikaele Oloa, second; and Malakai Lavatai, third.

The Sämoan Festival on Saturday morning, May 15th, pitted Kahuku, Farrington and Waipahu against each other in the high school division. Contingents from BYU-Hawai'i, Hawai'i Pacific University, UH-Mänoa, Chaminade University and American Sämoa Community College competed in the college division.

As always, it was especially fun to watch the fa'aluma dancers lead the groups with their zany antics. Junior Ale from Kahuku was great, as was the young woman from Farrington, who cracked up everyone; and Anny Soliai performed beautifully as Kahuku's taupou, taking first place in the taualuga dance.

In the other competitions, Kahuku's Nathan Savai'inaea took 2nd in the lauga or speech contest; Ceres Esera, 3rd, girls green banana peeling; Dana Magalogo, 2nd, boys banana peeling; Seta Lätü-Brown took first in coconut-leaf basket weaving, but Al Afalava along with almost everyone else had a hard time finishing his; Vailama Tito came in first for the girls coconut husking, as did Magalogo again for the boys; but Joey Pula and Pele Avea could not make fire in the old Sämoan way. Aue! It must have been the rain.

Kahuku musicians also came in first, while the dancers took first in the säsä and 2nd in the mä'ulu'ulu — which earned them a combined second-place overall.

Among the colleges, BYU-Hawai'i came in first, leading American Samoa and Chaminade in second and third places, respectively.

Iosepa voyaging canoe reaches Kawaihae

KAWAIHAE, Hawai'i — Though small patches of snow are still visible atop 13,792-foot Mauna Kea far in the distance, it's very hot and humid alongside the cement pier where Iosepa — the 57-foot BYU-Hawai'i wa'a kaulua or traditional twin-hulled sailing canoe — is docked, following the first half of its maiden voyage to this harbor about a half-hour north of Kailua-Kona by car.

Iosepa left Hukilau Beach on May 20th about 2:30 a.m. and spent the next 24 hours traveling here. William K. "Uncle Bill" Wallace III, director of Hawaiian Studies at BYU-Hawaii, said Iosepa's first trip away from O'ahu is an important part of the program and training the crew, which included several experienced hands from the voyaging canoe, Makali'i. Alaka'i, the Makali'i escort vessel, accompanied Iosepa on its maiden voyage.

Wallace stressed it is because Makali'i captains — the late Clayton "Cap" Bertelmann and Chadd Paishon, both veteran open-ocean sailors aboard Höküle'a and Makali'i — were willing to accept the kuleana [responsibility] of training the BYU-Hawai'i leaders and crew that Iosepa made its maiden voyage to the Makali'i home port of Kawaihae, as a sign of Polynesian protocol and respect.

"Whenever we've gone over to the Big Island, they've treated us like family," Wallace said, indicating this concept extends to all the Polynesian voyaging canoes, including the "mama of them all, Höküle'a," which left for the leeward Hawaiian islands about the same time Iosepa set sail. He added Bertelmann acted as captain for the dedication launching of Iosepa at Hukilau Beach on Nov. 3, 2001, and Paishon served as captain on the maiden voyage.

"One of our objectives was to bring our crew members here to train them in all aspects of seamanship from a cultural perspective. We're here not only to learn, but to also share and give," he added.

"By the time you leave, you're going to know what to do," said Paishon of the early training sessions on the Big Island. "Right now, there's hesitation. That's what we've got to get rid of. That's our kuleana, to get you folks ready at a moment's notice to know what to do."

"I'm proud of all the crew members we have. They've done very, very well," Wallace adds. "They're strong physically, but most important, they're strong spiritually. It gives me joy to see that."

Other Iosepa leaders and crew members agree. Hawaiian Studies project director and Iosepa watch captain Kawika Eskaran recognizes he stands "in the line of some of the great navigators and canoe builders. This has been a lifelong dream. Even when I come [to the canoe site by BYU-Hawaii Hale 5] in the mornings and nobody else is here, I have my silent moments with the canoe.

"I look at it, and I know every joint, every rope that's been placed, every fixture. My mind can turn back to the times of fabrication of every piece. I think the most important thing for me was becoming connected to my ancestors in the building and construction," he said.

Eskaran and Tuione Pulotu, who came to Lä'ie as an LDS labor missionary from Tonga over 40 years ago, carved the canoe in 2001. Many BYU-Hawai'i students and community members helped them as volunteers.

Iosepa watch captain William K. "Sir William" Wallace IV, Uncle Bill's son, told of feeling heavenly protection during the maiden voyage. "As we were coming to Moloka'i, it was cloudy; but as we got closer, all of the bad weather moved out of the way, and there was a clear path. At another point, we could see it raining; but as we got closer, the bad weather moved to the side. We had a clear path all the way."

The younger Wallace, who previously trained with Makali'i, added he enjoyed seeing how Iosepa handled in rough waters. "Pushing the sweeps an inch determines how the canoe moves. With Iosepa, we found because the hulls are round it tends to slide, so you really have to be on your steering."

On June 24th, BYU-Hawai'i President Eric B. Shumway, Ira M. Fulton and several other dignitaries and BYU-Hawaii officers are scheduled to take a short sail aboard Iosepa. Also that day, the BYU-Hawai'i party and Iosepa crew will present a canoe boom as a gift to the Makali'i group to be used on a new canoe they're building for Mau Piailug.

Piailug, a Micronesian from Satawal, is responsible for restoring traditional navigation among Polynesians, starting with Hawaiians and Höküle'a in the mid-1970s. When his canoe is finished, the Makali'i crew plans to sail it to Satawal in 2006.

The day's events also included a lü'au, sponsored and prepared by the Makali'i organization along with help from the Bertelmann family and others.

Fulton, a member of the BYU-Hawai'i President's Executive Leadership Council, contributed the funds that enabled Iosepa to undertake its maiden voyage. Another donor has made anonymous contributions that will be used to construct a hälau wa'a [canoe compound] in the Polynesian Cultural Center's Hawaiian village where the canoe will stay when it's not at sea.

Iosepa was originally built as a "floating classroom" with funds from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Thousands attended its dedication at Hukilau Beach on Nov. 3, 2001.

Following the presentation on June 24th, Iosepa is tentatively scheduled to sail to Häna, Maui, and Moloka'i, where Wallace grew up, before the downwind leg to Lä'ie and home.

Talking story: Memories of Kahuku graduations past

Another incredible Kahuku High graduation is behind us — an event that caused older alumni to reflect on their own experience of this important milestone.

"I remember the exact moment I began to feel like an adult came soon after graduation, when I had to decide what classes to register for in college, and there was nobody to tell me what I had to do. It was up to me," said one man. "It was a little scary, but also a great feeling."

Former Kahuku High principal Lea Albert, who is now the Complex Area Superintendent, said she graduated from high school in South Pasadena in 1964, "but I really wish I could have gone to Kahuku. It's part of my soul."

Louis Prescott ('72), a retired helicopter pilot from Hau'ula who now works as a mobile mechanic [phone 293-5764], recalls his Kahuku graduation "was in the middle of the football field. We had a passing shower before we came out of the gym and all the seats were wet. We sang This Land is Mine, which is still one of my favorites.

"Me, my girlfriend [at the time], my family and her family went out to a Chinese dinner after. There was no Project Grad. Her father gave me $50, which I think he wanted to go toward my college tuition, but it ended up going for new tires on my car.

"It was very simple in those days," Prescott said. "I drove my own car to prom, and dinner cost us $20 a plate."

Lucy Kela Kuhia Miller ('63), a customer service rep at Hawai'i Reserves, Inc., remembers "we only had 85 in our class, which is why we used the gym. We knew all our classmates. We sang No Man is an Island, and after the ceremony we went outside to take a class picture, which I still have. Then we walked to the field. There were plenty of leis.

"My husband [Martin 'Swanee' Miller] and I were high school sweethearts and we graduated together. That night we went to a lü'au at my husband's family. One of our classmates also got into a bad accident that night, and to this day she hasn't recovered. That's why I really support Project Grad, which started after my last child graduated from Kahuku in '91.

"Three days later I went on a performing tour of the mainland," Miller continues. "Swanee and I were married in September that year."

Miller notes that the classes of 63-66 "just celebrated our reunion in Las Vegas on May 6th. We had fun. There were over 400 there, maybe more."

Regina Temanaha Pasi ('75), a cultural lead at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Tahiti village, remembers graduation was "an exciting time. There were about 100 of us and our ceremony was on the football field. Graduation was very simple compared to what we have now, but we had lots of leis. Our class sang Kanaka Waiwai and We've Only Just Begun. Norma Coburn [Kimokeo] was the valedictorian and class president.

"We didn't have any Project Grad, so after we just went to each other's parties," she continues, adding she likes today's Kahuku graduation ceremonies. "These guys are lucky. They have a lot more opportunities for scholarships today."

Clint Mariteragi ('96), who works with Pasi at PCC and is a student at BYU-Hawai'i, said he hasn't been to a Kahuku graduation since his own. "It was really long. My favorite part was doing our senior medley of island and reggae songs.

"That was also the first or second year for Project Grad. We went out on an overnight Windjammer Cruise, had a dance on board and kicked back," he continues. "We came back to PCC and had an early-morning breakfast. The highlight was when Nä Leo Pilimehana showed up and sang Friends and Flying with Angels — their two big songs that year.

Eldon Campbell ('85) told Kaleo he was "so relieved to get out of school. It was a lot different then. We had our graduation at PCC in the morning. What the kids have now is unreal, especially with Project Grad and all the scholarships and community support. It's incredible."

He recalls after his ceremony, "there were a lot of parties for weeks. Mom and dad had a party at the house for me and close family."

Kendal Matsuda ('61), who lived in Kahuku in those days but now lives in Hau'ula, said his graduation ceremony was held in the gym on Saturday morning. "We had 80 in our class. We sang two songs, but I can't remember which ones. After, we had a lot of leis and envelopes, and then we went to our respective homes for parties."

"In those days, graduation was the biggest decision day in our lives," Matsuda continued. "The majority of the boys joined the service. The All-Hawai'i Company was a big draw. I went to Church College of Hawai'i, and I've been working in the family business since '64.

Matsuda, who now runs Matsuda Auto Parts in Lä'ie Shopping Center and is also in charge of his class reunions, said a lot of former classmates and friends often stop by. "We had our biggest reunion in '91 at Turtle Bay. We had about 40 class members show up. Then in '93 we had a reunion in Las Vegas with 30 of us. We also had a multi-year reunion in Vegas a couple of years ago for the classes of 59-62, and about 200 alumni showed up."

Matsuda said he thinks graduation should still be held at Kahuku. "Our daughter, Lori Lei ('85) and son Kenji ('86) graduated at PCC in the morning, and Teriann ('91) graduated in the [BYU-Hawai'i] CAC."

Tipa Galea'i, who was known as Junior Titipa when he graduated from Kahuku in 1974 and is now the customer service manager at PCC, doesn't remember the size of his class, but he recalls the ceremony was on the football field. "The best part was when everybody threw their caps in the air.

"There were quite a few parties that evening," Galea'i continues. "We had ours at the restaurant where McDonald's Lä'ie now is. It was fun.

"Today, the kids are more focused academically. I think they're a lot smarter and have a lot more resources than we did," he says, adding for his daughter, Alethea's 2004 graduation, "you can't beat the CAC setting: It's cool, comfortable and beats sitting outside."

Pane "P.J." Meatoga ('76) and his high school sweetheart, Rita Rillamas ('76) think they were in the last Kahuku class to hold their graduation ceremony on the football field. "After that they went to the Polynesian Cultural Center," he says.

Our class sang Born Free, and after we went to all the parties," he says. "His family came from all over," she remembers, adding they were married "two months later."

"Coming to Kahuku graduations today is so much fun," she says. "I really admire the number of valedictorians they have now. We only had one — Janice Kekau'oha," he says.

P.J. came back a few minutes later to add a comment that probably summarizes everyone's thoughts of high school graduation:

"I remember feeling happy because school was over; but I was also sad, realizing I would never see some of my friends again. In fact, that was the last time I saw a lot of them. It was a night of mixed emotions."

Kahuku High baccalaureate: turning mountains into miracles

Peters

Michelle "Tuli" Peters, a 2003 Kahuku graduate and keynote speaker at this year's baccalaureate service, advised the graduating seniors to "set those goals that will allow you to live life for the long run," and then "make preparations to meet those goals."

Breaking with past traditions where older speakers shared messages, this year's baccalaureate — an inspirational service traditionally held in conjunction with graduation — featured Peters and graduating seniors. It convened before a modest crowd at the Polynesian Cultural Center's Pacific Theater on May 30th.

Peters, who just completed her first year at Fresno State on volleyball scholarship, related how her father, Ken Peters, was diagnosed with heart disease in 1992, got a heart transplant, and then was diagnosed with cancer in ‘94 and died three years later — one year after her grandmother was killed in an auto accident near Kualoa.

"Their passing has given me the strength, courage and will to go on to higher things," Peters said.

"Throughout his physical ‘mountains,' my dad made the time to love, laugh and live," she added. "He taught us whenever we are faced with a trial, don't ask why me...but what's there to learn, and what can I do with it."

In closing, Peters thanked everyone for helping raise her, especially her mother. "At college, I learned that I should have paid more attention to my mom," she said.

All the earlier speakers were seniors, including Celesta Hubner, who spoke of her family's nomadic lifestyle throughout the mainland and Europe. "I appreciate the journey I've gone through in all these places," she said, adding the best lesson she learned was "the importance of family."

She also suggested that "attitude is everything" in overcoming obstacles. For example, Hubner told how the inventor, Thomas Edison, tried 2,000 materials in search of the first light bulb filament. "Obstacles are opportunities for growth," she said.

Walker Vave, who wants to serve an LDS mission after graduation, said his mother taught him to always respect his teachers, coaches and friends. "My teachers and coaches were like my parents, and education is very important" he replied, adding to his friends: "As you're having a hard time, always go down on your knees and pray to your Father in Heaven.

"The thing I'm going to miss is this community," he continued. "I love you guys, all. Mälö ‘aupito."

"I was born and raised in Kahuku, and I'm so proud to be a part of the Class of 2004," said Mike Garcia. He told of going to a Mililani after-prom party on April 18th where "I almost lost my life" when he got into a fight because someone didn't like that he was from Kahuku High. "I never realized, but I was stabbed seven times and was bleeding a lot. I thought I was going to die."

Garcia advised his classmates, "Don't take life for granted. You never know what's going to happen. The Lord saved me that night."

Moana Arp related how the divorce of her parents when she was in the second grade was "the biggest trial in my life. It taught me to be independent. By the third grade I could french braid my own hair, even though it was so ugly."

After telling the story of a foster child who overcame many challenges, only to be killed in a hunting accident, Arp added: "You've got to use your talents, especially to help other people. There's never an excuse to give up. Don't ever give up."

Finau Niutupuivaha also expressed gratitude for her father. "Losing my dad was one of the greatest challenges of my life, because it was so unexpected. We need to let our parents know every day that we love them," she said.

Niutupuivaha also encouraged her classmates to "listen and obey," which leads to "developing great character, which is love and appreciation."

Robert Kahawai‘i, who only has 20% hearing, said, "Throughout my high school years I've had many challenges — challenges I wouldn't have overcome without your help.

"How have you helped, you ask. By treating me like a normal person. I've seen the best in you. That's brought out the best in me," Kahawai'i said.

"We've united as a senior class. We have been there for each other. I'm so proud to be a member of this class. It's because of all of you that I've started to believe in myself," he said, telling how even though he's partially deaf, he joined the marching band. "Nothing can prevent me from giving 100%.

"Although Kahuku High School may not have much money or the best facilities," he continued, "we have pride on the field, in classes and in ourselves. What really matters is in here," he said, pointing to his heart.



Kahuku High's 'Encore' of music, May 26, 2004 *— Photo*s by Barry Markowitz

Celebrating Iosepa (Utah) connections

Story and photos by Bob & Sylvia Olsen ~ Utah Correspondents

IOSEPA, Utah — "My family roots are here," Keith Ava told Kaleo. "In 1890 my grandfather, George Alapa from Hawai'i, met his wife, Alice, in Iosepa. Alice had recently come to Salt Lake City with missionaries from Savai'i, Sämoa."

Ava — who grew up in Lä'ie, attended Lä'ie Elementary and graduated from Kahuku High in 1968 — was one of almost 2,000 people at the 2004 annual Memorial Day celebration in this high-desert town in Skull Valley, Utah, about 60 miles west of Salt Lake City, that was home to a unique community of Polynesians from 1889-1917.

Many of those here are descendants of the Iosepa founders who came to honor their ancestors and renew family ties. Some camped for three-to-five days to more fully enjoy the activities, which culminated with a Memorial Day lü'au for everyone and continuous cultural performances from morning to late in evening.

"I think the Iosepa pioneers came for a common bond, not just to work but to be together; but, oh, how they struggled for 28 years," said Robert Kahawai'i, a descendant and bishop of the LDS Lä'ie 1st Ward who presided over the Sunday services here.

"I was asked a year ago by Uncle Bill (William K.A. Ah Quin, who was born and raised in Lä'ie), to take part in these services. We found nothing was left to the last minute. Preparations were started years ago. Polynesians from the islands of the sea and the four corners of the United States were in attendance."

Barbara Jean Kahawai'i, his wife, taught lei making classes for everyone interested, and the lei were then given to those in attendance.

George Nihipali, who grew up in Lä'ie and graduated from Kahuku in 1958, said, "This is my second year to attend the Iosepa Memorial Day event. The neatest thing for people away from the islands [he left in 1959 to go into the Army] is to meet up with other people who share our culture. What a great tradition."

Ava said he loves to come to the "starting place" of his grandparents. "That's my connection with Iosepa. When I first came here there were only approximately 70 people and just a few cars. Now there are cars everywhere, and there are at least 70 members of my 'ohana [family] alone here in attendance, both Hawaiians and Sämoans.

"I remember granddad saying, 'It took two-and-a-half days each way to Salt Lake to pick up provisions. We once spent a month, taking a cow with the family for fresh milk along the way. We would tie the cow up at the edge of Salt Lake and pick it up on the return.' The committee has done a lot to make this a success," he added.

Ava, Kahawai'i, Ah Quin and others related the history of Iosepa colony, which is a legacy of faith, perseverance, hard work, dedication and success by families mainly from Ko'olauloa. They had migrated from their tropical islands to be closer to the LDS temple in Utah:

In late August 1889 a group of 50 Hawaiians left Salt Lake City, traveling west by train to the end of the line at Garfield. There, boarding 20 wagons, they continued west, camping overnight enroute, and arriving at their destination on Aug. 28th.

They named their new home on the western slope of the Oquirrh Mountains after Joseph F. Smith, the Latter-day Saint leader who eventually became president of the church and dedicated the site for the Lä'ie Temple. Iosepa, as the Hawaiians called him, served several missions in Hawai'i, starting in 1854, and spoke fluent Hawaiian.

Their first order of necessity was water. In the canyons to the east of the future township were five springs, feeding small streams. By diverting these in open ditches to one stream, then encasing that in an enclosed conduit, water came to each of the newly established building lots.

Like many LDS towns, Iosepa featured broad streets and three-quarter-acre lots. Each lot had a fire hydrant, and each completed house had flowing water. A row of trees ran down the center of each main street. By 1891, the transplanted islanders had irrigated and cultivated over 200 acres. In 1911, Iosepa received the first-place award as the best-kept and most progressive city in Utah. As the Bible suggests, they had made the desert "blossom as a rose."

Ah Quin, who has been caretaker of the historic Iosepa site for some time, explained his family returned to Lä'ie while the temple was under construction. "My parents had nine children, eight boys and one girl. I am number eight. My brother, Joe (Ah Quin) is number nine." After school at Lä'ie and Kahuku, Ah Quin served in the Army and married Mabel Poepoe of Maui in 1958. "We duplicated my parents' offspring with eight boys and one girl," he added.

"I came to Iosepa in 1979 with my cousin, Vermine Haws. We cleaned the cemetery, spent the day, and went home. The next year at a meeting of the Iosepa Historical Society, which was organized in Lä'ie, my cousin railroaded me into heading the Memorial Day celebration. We then began camping here for three-or-four days to clean, fence and restore the cemetery. We have done that every year since."

In addition, the historical society has built a spacious, permanent pavilion on the east end of the cemetery site; and largely through the efforts of Cory Ho'opi'iana of Salt Lake City, restrooms have been added.

"In the past we had had a generator, but the noise of the gasoline engine was distracting, and from time to time in the middle of a performance it would run out of gas. Everything would go dark and the sound system would fall silent, until the gas was refilled and power restored," said Ho'opi'iana, adding he hopes to get additional funding to bring culinary water to the site.

In the meantime, the society has fenced the cemetery, redefined the graves with concrete curb, and erected a large stone monument topped with the bust of a Hawaiian chief that explains the history of this unusual settlement and lists the names of its Polynesian pioneers.

"My dream is to see Iosepa rise and be restored completely," said Ah Quin, a delightfully pleasant gentleman with an effervescent aloha spirit. "Ali mai, ali mai, ola hou e nä hoa pono, anie Iosepa — be restored by your righteous companion. Some day Iosepa will rise. The mana [power] and 'uhane [spirit] are here yet."

With the promise of the rising temple in Lä'ie, the Polynesians of Iosepa left their crops in the fields and their beloved homes to return to the islands in 1917. It's said the women refused to ride in the wagons as they left, weeping as they walked. In the years since, under the scorching summer sun and harsh winter cold, Iosepa returned to the desert. For many years only poorly marked graves echoed the kama'äina who were there.

Today, however, the proud marker, Ikaika, watches over the iwi [bones] of the kupuna [elders]; and in the hearts of their offspring live the spirit of Iosepa and the hope of its restoration.

[Editor's note: The Olsens served as missionaries at Hawai'i Reserves, Inc., several years ago, reporting for Kaleo o Ko'olauloa and helping with other projects. They indicated they hope to return again to Lä'ie in the near future as periodic volunteers.]

Kahuku High haps:
A memorable year, a memorable class

By Amanda Baize ~ Kahuku High Correspondent

How do you say farewell to a class that has earned countless national and state recognition awards for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements? The graduating Class of 2004 has made their mark at Kahuku High by excelling in a wide array of activities, and also by being the only class in Kahuku's history to have 15 valedictorians.

This class has been nothing short of remarkable, and, in the words of the graduated seniors, so was their Project Grad:

The night was filled with excitement and mystery as the seniors began their celebrated night at the Pali Golf Club in Käne'ohe. It was here the seniors were enchanted by dinner, a dance, and a very convincing hypnotist. To start the night off were speakers: Bruddah Sam [Langi] and Lina Girl from Local Kine Grindz.

It was also here that the prizes of the night were given out, including the highly anticipated car. This year's beauty was a cherry red Ford sports car and the lucky receiver was Jeremy James.

Most seniors remarked that their favorite part of the night was the hypnotist. For example, Leilani Relator said, "It was so funny watching my classmates become someone else. You had to be there: it was hilarious!"

Four students were chosen from the crowd that night. "My favorite was Irie Lopes who became Shania Twain, because he got so into it and he was the one who convinced me it wasn't fake," said Jennifer Kamiya. There other hypnotizing seniors were Jamie Thompson who become Brittany Spears, Andrew Thompson who became Ricky Martin, and Briston-Jon Kahala who became Michael Jackson.

When asked who her favorite character was, Natalie Kamau'oha replied, "Briston, because it was really fun seeing someone who is usually so shy become a character that brought him completely out of his shell."

After the dance the seniors were whisked away to Dave and Buster's, to play games in the vast of extent of the second floor game room and have breakfast, and then Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park to play to their hearts content on the variety of ride selections.

For many seniors this was their first time at both of these places and so that made the night even more memorable. Seniors who had never been to the water park before said they wished they could have been there for longer than an hour-and-a-half.

When asked about her favorite part of the night, Stacia Colton answered, "The whole night was so much fun, and I really love my jersey." All the seniors received a red-and-white football jersey that bore their names on the back, and backpacks as well. Both quickly became favorites of the graduates.

As Project Grad finally came to an end, the seniors came home to their north shore homes around 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

The thing he thought made Project Grad the most memorable? "Everyone was there. It was a time when the entire class could be together for one last time, just to have fun," said Ian Tapu.

Pamela Vreeken, a special education teacher at Kahuku High, who was there, was impressed by the strong feeling of 'ohana [family] the seniors felt that memorable night. She said she was truly moved by the loving and unified spirit of the senior class, because everyone in the class was made to feel important and apart of the class. "For me the most memorable part of the night was when Amanda Adolpho, Sione Nalu and I were the first to start dancing on the dance floor. We broke the ice, because after we started dancing everyone else started to join us. It was truly touching."

Project grad was a night to remember and it will always be for the Class of 2004. Jarom Casey had some advice that he wanted to pass on to the incoming seniors of the Class of 2005: "I advise all of you to go to your Project Grad next year, because I guarantee that if you don't you will wish you had."

The seniors all wanted to express their thanks to the parents and others who worked so hard to make their night a success: "Thank you from the Class of 2004."

EDITOR's NOTE: Mahalo to 2004 graduate Natalie Kamau'oha, who served as Kaleo's Kahuku High correspondent for the past school year . . . and welcome, Amanda Baize, senior-to-be who has accepted the position for the new school year, starting with this issue.

FYI: Baize, the daughter of Dr. Kevin and Lizette Baize of Kuilima Estates, was born in North Dakota but moved to Lä'ie when she was only six.

At Kahuku she has been active in speech and debate, drama — playing the parts of Kim Macafee in Bye Bye, Birdie ('02) and the nurse in Dracula ('03), among other roles; the National Honor Society, the swim team and was one of the Kahuku High band members in the Hawaii All-State band that marched in the 2003 Rose Bowl Parade.

This summer she will do volunteer work with Kama'äina Kids, working out of Chun's Beach and Waimea Bay helping them learn activities. She will also be a girls camp youth leader at Waimea Valley

"This coming school year I'm going to be on the We the People Team. We have to win first to go to nationals in Washington, D.C. We'll be pulling up some juniors, but that's only because we don't have enough seniors to fill the team."

Her favorite thing about Kahuku? "I love the fact there are so many options for extracurricular activities and classes that students can take, so they can satisfy every aspect of learning, and every desire that any student has to excel in," she says.

But she's disappointed the school "does not have a swimming pool, or that we don't get enough funding for the things we need, like the science laboratories; or enough tools for every student to be able to do the experiments. This past year we had to dry-lab certain activities because we didn't have enough materials for every student."

Back to the best things: Baize says she's excited about being the Kaleo correspondent. "I'm really excited about getting the inside scoop, or interesting aspects of our school that people may not normally consider important."

Kahuku sports reports: the best spring season ever

"This has probably been one of our best-ever spring seasons," reported Kahuku High athletic director Joe Whitford: Kahuku athletic teams came in strong at the end of the school year, finishing with a state championship in girls judo, second-place state in both girls basketball and boys track, and a third-place state in girls water polo.

"The judo girls actually tied for the state championship with Farrington," Whitford explained, noting they also won last year, "so this is twice in a row."

"Individual Kahuku winners included Jenna Nihipali and Thoran Evans, a guy. Evans also won last year."

Girls basketball

"The girls made a valiant effort in the state championships," Whitford reported, losing to Konawaena 51-41 on May 24th.

"Unfortunately, we had two girls go down with injuries at critical times: Monarisa Ale, a starting guard, got hurt on Thursday night against Lahainaluna when she sprained her ankle; and Karla Ta'ilele, the starting point guard, got hurt Friday night against Punahou. She landed wrong after a lay-up, and ended up sitting out the first half of the championship game.

"We were down at half-time, 30-10, when she came in early in the second half," Whitford continued. "She could barely walk, but she couldn't stand it anymore. The adrenaline put mind over matter, and our girls came back to within three points, 35-32, after being down by 20 at the half."

"People were really impressed with Karla's courage. Both she and Latoya Wily were named to the All-Tournament team," said Whitford, who pointed out this is the second year the girls team has finished second in the state finals. "We had a 16-2 record, losing to [eventual OIA Division II champion] Roosevelt during the regular season, and to Konawaena in the finals."

The Red Raider ladies defeated McKinley on May 14th, 66-48, to win their first OIA Division I championship since 1994.

Whitford added that Wily, Ta'ilele, Anny Soliai, Ale — "practically the whole first team — graduated this year. There's going to be a void to fill. Of course, we'll return Aisha Ale, Camilla Ah Hoy and Artevia Wily, who will form the backbone of next season's squad.

"Our expectations were high at the start of the season, and the girls did a tremendous job getting to where we did, without winning it all," he added. "Who knows what would have happened if two of our key players didn't get injured?"

Track and field

The boys track and field team came in second in both the state and OIA championships, losing both times to Pearl City.

"The entire Saturday during the state finals it was pouring rain in Wailuku, Maui," Whitford said. "Some of the lanes were filled with water on the rubberized track. They had to cancel some events, and used the Thursday qualifying numbers. Quentin Beaver, who was leading after Thursday, actually slipped in the pit.

"In our best event — the 4X400 relays, we were the top qualifiers, but we came in last. It was a shame, but it was raining on everybody, too. We're happy with a second-place state finish. That's the best we've ever finished in boy's track," Whitford continued, noting "great performances by Redmond Tutor, who finished second in the 400 meter. He's a sophomore, racing against seniors; and Spencer Hafoka, a junior, who placed sixth in the 100 hurdles and ran relays."

Other Kahuku finishers in the state finals included Beaver, second in the shot put and fifth in the discus; Frank Bracewell 6th in the 100 and 4th in the 200; and Dennis Savelio, 6th in the 300 hurdles.

Water polo

The Kahuku girls finished third in the first-ever state championship for all the leagues, behind Punahou in first place and Kamehameha.

"We lost to Punahou in the semi-finals, and then beat Hawai'i Prep Academy to claim third," said Whitford, who added that one of the Punahou players "almost made the U.S. Olympics team. She was the last one cut; so overall, we did great."

Keala Whitford and Stephanie Emery each scored two goals in the victory over Hawai'i Prep. The participating coaches voted Emery to the All-Tournament Team.

Surfing

Whitford noted that the state Board of Education recently approved surfing as an interscholastic sport. "Right now the OIA is in the process of setting up guidelines to establish competition," he said, adding he doesn't think there's enough time to get an interscholastic league up and running next school year.

"So more than likely surfing will remain an unofficial club sport next season." Whitford also expressed concern about the budget to fund the new sport. "To make it go, we might have to drop a sport, which would be very unpopular around here. That would be really tough.

"But when we finally do adopt surfing in the OIA, we'll bring in a whole new set of athletes. We've got a lot of kids who are anxious to do it. That's just part of our community, and Kahuku should be absolutely awesome.

"Surfing is really a win-win for Kahuku, because the team members are more likely to stay in school and get good grades so they can qualify.

Spring football

Whitford reported the recently spring football practice "went very well. We had about 140 kids out, not including the 8-9th graders.

"Next season is going to be special because the kids get to travel. Everybody is jazzed about going to Utah," he said, stressing it will be important that "we get off to a quick start. We play Skyline on Aug. 21st and St. Louis Aug. 28th.

"Again, we had another very successful year of Kahuku athletics," Whitford said. "Out of a student of 1,220 in high school, we had 534 athletes. That 44% — almost half the student body.

"Also, we pushed right to the third and fourth week of May, while many of the other schools are done by the first week. It's been a very busy year, so I give credit to all the athletes and the coaches."

"Next year, we're looking at more of the same. We anticipate another exciting year. We should be strong in football, girls and boys wrestling, and judo again. Girls soccer and boys track should also be strong."

Ko'olauloa Community Calendar

Kaleo lists a limited number of activities and encourages readers to re-verify details. To submit items, call 754-4304, or e-mail: foleym002@hawaii.rr.com before the Kaleo deadline before the event.

290 graduate in Kahuku Class of 2004

Alex Galea'i wins PCC world fireknife championship

Pee-wee and junior competitions

Iosepa voyaging canoe reaches Kawaihae

Talking story: Memories of Kahuku graduations past

Kahuku High baccalaureate: turning mountains into miracles

Kahuku High's 'Encore' of music, May 26, 2004 — Photos by Barry Markowitz

Celebrating Iosepa (Utah) connections

Story and photos by Bob & Sylvia Olsen ~ Utah Correspondents

Kahuku High haps:
A memorable year, a memorable class

By Amanda Baize ~ Kahuku High Correspondent

Head-on near
Pounders:

Kahuku sports reports: the best spring season ever

Girls basketball

Track and field

Water polo

Surfing

Spring football

Ko'olauloa Community Calendar


The Millers


The Meatogas

290 graduate in Kahuku Class of 2004

Alex Galea'i wins PCC world fireknife championship

Pee-wee and junior competitions

Iosepa voyaging canoe reaches Kawaihae

Talking story: Memories of Kahuku graduations past

Kahuku High baccalaureate: turning mountains into miracles

Kahuku High's 'Encore' of music, May 26, 2004 — Photos by Barry Markowitz

Celebrating Iosepa (Utah) connections

Story and photos by Bob & Sylvia Olsen ~ Utah Correspondents

Kahuku High haps: A memorable year, a memorable class

By Amanda Baize ~ Kahuku High Correspondent

Head-on near Pounders:

Kahuku sports reports: the best spring season ever

Girls basketball

Track and field

Water polo

Surfing

Spring football

Ko'olauloa Community Calendar

Kahuku High haps:
A memorable year, a memorable class

Head-on near
Pounders: