Waikalua Loko I'a - fishpond

06/16/2026

PAF OHANA NEWSLETTER AND CONCERT ANNOUNCEMENT

KA ULUWEHI PACIFIC AMERICAN FOUNDATION | June 2026 Aloha mai! As we grow into summer, we are reflecting on the power of long-term relationships: between students and place, educators and community, an

06/05/2026

📣 Friendly reminder: registration is still open for Early Learning with Aloha: Professional Learning Summit 2026!

Join us July 13–15 in Kāneʻohe for three days of professional learning centered on culture, connection, and excellence.

Participants will have the opportunity to earn a Positive Discipline Certification with Joy Marchese and a Hawaiʻi-Centered SEL Certification led by the PAF ʻOhana while gaining practical tools to support students, families, and communities.

If you've been meaning to register, now is the time. We look forward to gathering with educators, early learning leaders, and community partners committed to strengthening learning across Hawaiʻi.

Register today at www.thepaf.org/ecsummit

06/03/2026

If Hawaiʻi’s environmental challenges will be inherited by today’s students, then students must also be empowered to shape the solutions. 🌊

At the 9th annual ʻImi Wai Ola Student Science Conference, Hawaiʻi students gathered on Ford Island to share research, build relationships, and grow as scientists, caretakers, and community leaders. Through The Pacific American Foundation programs like Kilo Kai, students learn about environmental science by working in the communities they call home—that’s ma ka hana ka ʻike!

From testing water quality to studying coral reef health, these haumāna are proving that science rooted in collaboration, aloha ʻāina, and community can help shape a stronger future for Hawaiʻi.

Read the full story and see how the next generation is leading with care, curiosity, and action: https://www.thenext200.org/stories/imiwaiolastudents

Join the movement. Share your story. Build the Next 200 with us: https://www.thenext200.org/join

06/01/2026

🌱What kind of ancestor will you become?

For more than 30 years, The Pacific American Foundation has worked to build deep connections between people, place, culture, and education. From Waikalua Loko Iʻa to classrooms across Hawaiʻi, we have seen firsthand that the future is shaped by the actions we take right now.

The Next 200 is a movement rooted in the belief that the choices we make today shape the world future generations will inherit. Moʻokūʻauhau teach us to think beyond ourselves and act with courage, intention, and care for those who come after us.

Every teacher, every student, every steward of ʻāina, every person showing up for their community is already part of this story.

The Next 200 is an invitation to become good ancestors together. Read more, share your story, and join the movement at next200.org.

I ka wā ma mua, i ka wā ma hope.

Learn about the Next 200 from PAF CEO Kapono Ciotti: https://www.thenext200.org/stories/kaponosintroduction

Join the movement: https://www.thenext200.org/join

05/28/2026

Education rooted in culture, place, and community has the power to transform futures. Mahalo to the University of Hawaiʻi College of Education (COE) for featuring Dr. Joseph Ciotti and the work being done to strengthen relationships between ʻike, education, and community impact.

“Informal educational organizations, like the Pacific American Foundation (PAF), have long championed ʻāina-based education in Hawaiʻi. In particular, PAF’s partnership with Hawaiʻi Blue Schools Hui (UNESCO) at its Kāneʻohe Waikalua Loko Iʻa fishpond is an exemplary place-based model, which was recently featured in a NatGeo article. Its goal focuses on strengthening students’ ocean literacy in conjunction with Hawaiʻi’s rich traditional legacy in aquaculture.”

We are proud to continue creating learning experiences that connect people to ʻāina, one another, and the future Hawaiʻi. This is important and necessary work that we are doing in conjunction with so many amazing partners and community members!

Read the COE article: https://coe.hawaii.edu/profiles/dr-joseph-ciotti/

Read the NatGeo article: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/paid-content-ancient-hawaiian-marine-technology-helps-ocean-ecosystems-recover

Check out PAF’s aina education work: https://www.thepaf.org/education-services/

05/21/2026

Mahalo nui loa to Senator Mazie Hirono and everyone who joined our recent Roundtable on K–12 Education! 🌺✨

We had a powerful, deeply inspiring discussion focused on the downstream effects of federal interagency agreements right here at home. From ensuring the safety of our educators to expanding the capacity of community-driven programs, the conversation underscored a shared, fierce commitment to serving our local students and families.

A major highlight of the roundtable was Senator Hirono’s incredible advocacy and her willingness to champion earmarked funds specifically to support the Community Schools Strategy across Hawaiʻi. This approach ensures our schools act as vibrant community hubs, integrating academics, health and social services, and youth and family development to help every student thrive.

Seeing so many dedicated leaders, educators, and partners together in one room—continuing the fight to create and sustain education that truly reflects our community—was a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve together.
Let’s keep moving forward! 💪🏽📚

05/21/2026

Mahalo nui to the Pu’ulu Lama o Kamehameha Schools for an incredible, impactful year of learning and growing together in community! ❤️ From the uplands to the sea, these haumana and kumu have truly embodied what it means to care for and learn from our ‘āina.

Looking back at this past year, we are so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together:
🧪 Science in Action: Conducting hands-on water quality testing and analysis.
📜 Honoring History: Deepening our connection through the mo’olelo and oli of Waikalua.
⚖️ Advocacy & Leadership: Writing powerful testimony advocating for Native Hawaiian Education funding, which Uncle Herb proudly hand-delivered directly to Washington, D.C.!
🛠️ Innovation & Tradition: Designing, building, and testing traditional mākāhā.
💪 Community Resilience: Working as a team during the class huki of tree logs following recent storms.

We capped off this remarkable journey today with a beautiful hō’ike alongside Representative Ikaika Hussey, showcasing the dedication, growth, and brilliant future of these students.

Our deepest mahalo to the haumana and kumu of Kapālama for your heart, hard work, and commitment to our culture and environment. Here’s to the seeds planted for the future!

05/18/2026

Mark your calendars! Our next Waikalua Loko I’a workday is Saturday June 27, 8am-12pm. As always, lunch will be provided after our morning of hana. RSVP at our website, or check in the morning-of 🌈

thepaf.org/waikalua/ohana

05/13/2026

Huge congratulations to Kāneʻohe Elementary School on being named a 2026 National Gold Star School!

We are so proud to partner with Kāneʻohe Elementary as part of the first cohort of our Hau'oli Mau Loa ‘Āina-Based Learning in Hawaiʻi DOE Schools: together, we are working to build high-quality ʻāina-based curriculum that connects students to place, culture, and community. This recognition reflects not only academic excellence, but a deep commitment to nurturing relationships, ʻike, and a thriving learning environment for keiki.

Congratulations to Principal Derek Minakami and the entire school community for your leadership and vision. We are honored to support and learn alongside you! May this achievement continue to uplift and inspire our students and educators.

Check out PAF’s educational work: https://www.thepaf.org/education-services/

Excited about supporting ʻāina? Check out the Windward Youth Leadership Fund: https://www.thepaf.org/wylf/