Category Archives: AKAHAI

Akahai: Leaving better than you found it –with white gloves…the practice is grace. White gloves give the image of leaving someone clean and not staining them or leaving a blemish or scar. To leave someone unblemished is to share akahai. It does not carry an expectation of an award or reward or reciprocity, it is to share our best fish and keep our less than best fish.

Pilahi Paki as shared by Pono Shim to The Mānoa Heritage Center.

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

During the height of the pandemic, COVID case counts furiously escalated, filling the limited space in our hospitals. As the number of beds ran short and patients were housed in makeshift quarters, the number of available life-sustaining ventilators were also dwindling. Each day, as we tracked the multiplying cases, the hope for newly hospitalized patients seemed grim. With no cure nor a vaccine, all but the essential workers isolated themselves in their homes resulting in a strange cocktail of feelings of security and a growing sense of helplessness. 

For Olin Lagon, sitting at home and doing nothing about the crisis we faced was unacceptable. For those that only know Olin on paper, one might think he’s an impenetrable genius. After all, his many accomplishments encompass holding numerous patents including one for crowdsourcing (the technology behind GoFundMe and myriad other sites) and creating groundbreaking software used by Nike, Disney, FedEx and other Fortune 500 companies. But those that know Olin in person, readily see his giving heart, his compassion for those who struggle in our community, and the promise he sees in all kids regardless of background. Olin is a doer, an activator who possesses not just the heart, but the intelligence and creativity to see possibilities hidden to most others. Yet, Olin is also a regular guy, quick with a self-deprecating joke or humbling anecdote. Hence it was predictable that Olin would feel aloha for those in need and immerse himself in a project that utilized his technological talents to solve the growing shortage of ventilators. 

Olin, along with a team of Hawaiʻi-connected volunteers who held expertises in engineering, fabrication, and software design, created a relatively easy-to-manufacture ventilator that could be operated anywhere in the world, even where electricity is not available. Further, the team ensured the design would be open-source, meaning they would make it available to anyone able to build it for free, thus keeping production costs low. 

Always haʻahaʻa and akahai, Olin credits his team and the support they received from generous donors from across the world for making the ventilators a reality. “And when we reached out to get help, we were overwhelmed by the support we received. The world is full of kindness.”

Read more about this effort here: 

5 PURSUITS of AHONUI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch  Something, Someday  written and read by Amanda Gorman with illustrations by Christian Robinson. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: Talk with your kupuna about something your ʻohana did to help the community in which you live or are from.
• SKILLS: How does the child feel in the beginning of the story? The middle? The end? How do you know?
• INTELLECT: The author Amanda Gorman was 19 years old when she was named the National Youth Poet Laureate and performed the inaugural poem for President Biden. Research about Ms. Gorman and the change she has already made in this world (see Scholastic, Time for Kids and Kids Britannica.)
• CRITICALITY: How might you work with others to change something in your community that you might like to help fix?
• JOY: Show some akahai on our campus and join with your classmates on making our school better.

HOʻOMAIKAʻI MATH ENRICHMENT TEAM

A belated congratulations goes out to our 6th graders from Math Enrichment class who excellently represented Kāneʻohe Elementary last weekend at the King Intermediate School Math Meet. Under the guidance of Mrs. Chinen, our students won a team competition and four received awards in the individual competitions. Awesome job!

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

Join us in letting “that light, that divine inspiration that Aunty Pilahi Paki says is given to you at your very beginning, come through and let your ALOHA join with the ALOHA of the collective to bring about healing.” 

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mai kū me ka hō’olo, akā e kū me ke akahai.

Don’t stand in an air of superiority, but stand in modesty

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

Sometimes, when I think of Akahai and how I might improve in my practice, it’s useful to reflect on my failures and what I would’ve done differently. Many years back when I first started teaching at Kailua High, I had a student whose behaviors posed a significant challenge. Yet, beneath the disruptions and inappropriate comments, I could see that he had a proclivity towards learning science. He had a way of making connections between abstract concepts and real life. For example, I’d show the class how light waves could add or subtract depending on their alignment. He’d sit back and think before excitedly blurting how he’d seen something like that happen at the beach. He’d watched waves reflect off of the sand and crash into an oncoming waves, sometimes shooting water upwards towards the sky. 

I think his insightfulness and natural genius was what I found most frustrating. For every step forward in learning, we took three steps back when he showed obstinance and made outbursts. Had I been more thoughtful and aware, I might have noticed that his behavior got especially worse when reading was involved. I should have taken the time to observe him more carefully, listen to his story, understand his struggles, and provide the support he needed. As a beginning high school teacher, I assumed that all the kids could read and comprehend. Hence, when I saw him display his gifts in class discussions following a lab or demonstration, I wrongly supposed those gifts would be consistent when told to read an article or the textbook. In attempting to correct his behavior, I certainly did not treat him with “white gloves.” Instead, I most likely triggered him with both of us leaving the situation frustrated, incensed and in his case, feeling that’s just one more adult who doesn’t care.

Today, I strive to right those wrongs of my past. When a student is referred to the office for behavioral concerns, I take time to listen and be attentive to the entire context. I suppress the urge to quickly solve the immediate problem of misbehavior and instead look to treat the student with “white gloves” so that we may solve problems for the longterm. 

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI:

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

Please watch Queen of Physics How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom  written by Teresa Robeson and illustrated by Rebecca Huang. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: Wu Chien Shiung’s baba named her. Discuss with your kupuna who gave each you your names. What meaning is behind your names?
• SKILLS: What are examples from the book that show Wu Chien Shiung and her parents practiced akahai?
• INTELLECT: What is physics? Research and identify some of the everyday examples of physics.
• CRITICALITY: Wu’s name means “courageous hero.” How did she exemplify her name and continue to be courageous in the face of discrimination and hate?
• JOY:  Wu Chien Shiung studied the atom which is comprised of protons, electrons, and neutrons. Be like Wu Chien Shiung and explore how electrons and protons can be used to control a metal can. 

KINDNESS ROCKS

Mahalo nui loa, parent Erin Battles and our Wellness Committee for creating an Akahai Rock Garden in the front of our office. Thanks to Erin and an H-PEP SPARK grant, each student will write something kind on a rock that will be featured in the garden. Students will think of something they would like to say to someone else, something someone’s said to them, or something they wish someone would say to them and put that on their rock. Ohana will have the opportunity to write their wishes of kindness as well at our Kindness Rocks night on Thursday, April 4.

PHONES, GAMES, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND THEIR DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON KIDS

According to a new article from The Atlantic, “Something went suddenly and horribly wrong for adolescents in the early 2010s. By now you’ve likely seen the statistics: Rates of depression and anxiety in the United States—fairly stable in the 2000s—rose by more than 50 percent in many studies from 2010 to 2019. The suicide rate rose 48 percent for adolescents ages 10 to 19. For girls ages 10 to 14, it rose 131 percent.”

Further, “the problem was not limited to the U.S.: Similar patterns emerged around the same time in Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, the Nordic countries, and beyond. By a variety of measures and in a variety of countries, the members of Generation Z (born in and after 1996) are suffering from anxiety, depression, self-harm, and related disorders at levels higher than any other generation for which we have data.”  

Even here in Kāneʻohe, since the pandemic, we noticed students are getting into more disputes that start on-line, suffering from less resiliency, and having trouble navigating social situations. Still we are constantly asking students to put their phones away when they could be spending time with friends. Read “END THE PHONE-BASED CHILDHOOD NOW” to learn about the problems phones, games, and social media causes for our kids and what we can do to reverse the effects.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

Join us in letting “that light, that divine inspiration that Aunty Pilahi Paki says is given to you at your very beginning, come through and let your ALOHA join with the ALOHA of the collective to bring about healing.” 

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Modest, gentle, unassuming, unpretentious, unobtrusive, docile, decorous, meek, suave; meekness, modesty.

Pukui, Mary Kawena, Elbert, Samuel H. (1965). Hawaiian Dictionary

ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: AKAHAI

As I sat on the tarmac, I began to feel anger and frustration fill my thoughts. My flight to Tucson had already been delayed thrice due to heavy traffic at other airports, each time pushing our departure back by an hour. When the plane finally arrived, the staff rushed to empty the plane, give it a cursory cleaning, and get us on-board. As the plane pulled away from the jetway, the pilot announced tailwinds would assist in making up some of the lost time. I felt a sense of relief. Finally we are on our way.

The plane rolled to a stop on the runway, possibly waiting in a queue to take-off. Then the air conditioning shut down and the plane began to feel warmer. After ten minutes, the pilot announced we were experiencing a mechanical issue and ground crews were attempting to fix it. “It should only take a few minutes.” Minutes passed. The flight attendants began passing out water. It’s never a good sign when you’re sitting on the tarmac and they pass out water. Finally, the pilot said we would need to return to the terminal to resolve the issue. Minutes passed before the plane’s engines whirred to life and slowly propelled the plane to it’s starting point.

People became impatient, just audibly mumbling their complaints. Some interrogated the flight attendants who knew little more than we did. I too allowed myself to feel upset and agitated. I had planned to eat dinner at 9, just after our planned arrival time. As the waiting in the plane stretched out the landing time to 10 and then 10:30 and now 11 at the earliest, my stomach growled in protest.

But then, I thought about the accident that occurred recently where a door plug blew off of a plane. What if the mechanical issue were similar? The ground crew and pilot were trying to keep us safe. The flight crew were doing their best to keep us calm and comfortable despite the challenging conditions. As I reflected upon their acts of akahai, my patience reset and gratitude filled my heart.  

Martin Luther King Jr. famously wrote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I need to remind myself to recognize the acts of akahai that occur everyday. Even the smallest of acts, when filled with love, drive out the hate. Some might see it as just doing their job – like teachers teaching, counselors counseling, and parents parenting – but the results of their love-filled acts make our children better, even if just a little bit, everyday.

So I am grateful for those who got me and the other passengers to Tucson. We weren’t on-time, but we arrived safe and ultimately that’s what matters the most.

5 PURSUITS of AKAHAI

Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad

In honor of Black History Month, I will be featuring stories written by and featuring people of African descent. 

Please watch The Kindest Red written and read by Ibtihaj Muhammad also co-authored by S. K. Ali and illustrated by Hatem Aly. Then with you child, answer the following:

• IDENTITY: What are examples of the kindness that is passed along in your family?
• SKILLS: After reading the book, what do you think the title means?
• INTELLECT: Research the author Ibtihaj Muhammad who was the first American Muslim woman to wear hijab while competing at the Olympic Games. 
• CRITICALITY: The main character, Faizah, wants ‘a kind world.’ What does this mean to you? Do you think the world we live in is kind? What makes you think this? How can we make the world kinder?
• JOY:  Together, draw your idea of a kind word.

SEE SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS THE MUSICAL LIVE AT CASTLE

Buy your tickets now to see our wonderful performers across the Castle Complex including, Kaeten Miyashiro Manatad; Kameron Goohue-Souza-Kaululaa; Kobe Bruhn; Sariah Ava; Ariana Tanoye; Grezyn Nagao; and Makalehua Pelletier, in Sponge Bob Squarepants the Musical (Youth Version) There are only three shows, February 23 – 25. so secure your seat today at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/79651

PIKO CANCELLED FOR FEB 20-21

If you join us for our virtual piko, please know that we will be cancelling Piko for February 20 – 21 due to half the school attending the Sponge Bob Squarepants Jr. show at Castle Theater on either day. Virtual piko will resume on Thursday, February 22.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION AND GES

We are accepting applications for kindergarten for children turning 5 by July 31, 2024. If your child requires a Geographic Exception (GE), please submit your application as soon as possible. The deadline for submittal is March 1, 2024. All kindergarten GEs received after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list and will be accepted as space becomes available. If you have any questions about this or any other kindergarten related business, please call me or our registration clerk, Brigette Leavy, at 305-0000.

CONTINUED PRACTICES:

NOʻAHUNA OF ALOHA

See Uncle Pono Shim explain the Noʻahuna, the esoteric meaning, of Aloha as taught to him by Aunty Pilahi, the Keeper of Secrets.

WEAR PINK FOR MAUI WEDNESDAYS

Join us in letting “that light, that divine inspiration that Aunty Pilahi Paki says is given to you at your very beginning, come through and let your ALOHA join with the ALOHA of the collective to bring about healing.” 

DAILY VIRTUAL PIKO

At the Daily Piko, we share thoughts on the Aloha value for the week which helps us become centered and ready to learn. We begin at 8 AM everyday except Wednesdays.

UPCOMING EVENTS