Gentle like carrying a baby…the practice is gentle strength. To be ‘olu‘olu is to be gentle in your relationship and acknowledging (or finding/recognizing) it’s significance to you. ‘Olu‘olu has the strong side as well and it is the unseen kuleana of gentle, “strength”. Gentle enough to not bruise or hurt baby but strong enough to carry the baby without dropping baby.
Pilahi Paki as shared by Pono Shim to The Mānoa Heritage Center.
ALOHA FOCUS FOR THE WEEK: ʻOLUʻOLU
When I turned 50, I experienced a professional resurgence, a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. Our school began to get a lot of attention for our Innovation Academy and efforts to improve students’ educational experiences by infusing ʻike Hawaiʻi. Though nascent in our endeavors, our approaches garnered curiosity and praise.
Meanwhile, personally I floundered. I needed to lose weight and get my blood pressure under control. Moreover, my marriage was beginning to end. Our petty differences turned to disdain. Ashamed, I attempted to hide this part of my life, even from myself. I tried to ignore the growing distance I felt even as I was called out for appearing not present.
As close friends and students of Pono Shim, I believed he knew. Though we never disclosed the ruptured status of our marriage to anyone let alone him, Pono seemed to intuit our situation. During that time, he found many opportunities for us to meet and share the most relevant stories of aloha by which to reflect upon our relationship. Once on an impromptu visit to our house, he talked about how he met his wife, how he knew they were right for one another and the Mariana Trench like depths of love they still shared. On another occasion, as we watched Gen’s soccer practice, Pono excitedly shared that he’s writing a book about the two storms that exist in any conflict. We both previously heard his stories about the two stops but this time it really resonated. One storm, he explained, was the outward expressions of anger. Most people fixate on this storm and allow it to destroy their relationships. However, that storm is actually generated from another storm that is internal. This internal storm stems from threats to the ego, insecurity, and fear. Pono cautioned that we must address this internal storm in order to keep the outer storm from wrecking havoc. Juxtaposed, these two stories highlight the ʻoluʻolu nature of maintaining a loving relationship. One shows its preciousness, the other the strength required to rise above your own ego and work towards healing.
Pono’s stories showed us that we did not possess what he and his wife shared. However it did illustrate how we might extinguish the contempt we felt toward one another. While no longer together, my ex and I strive to sustain a relationship characterized by aloha. We still do not see eye-to-eye on many issues, but we remind ourselves that our kids are our lōkahi. So we seek consensus when making decisions that affect them. We also consult each other on professional matters and applaud the other’s accomplishments. After all, there is still a familial love and our success will provide a more viable future for our kids.
5 PURSUITS of ʻOLUʻOLU
Inspired by Gholdy Muhammad
Please watch this: Ojiichan’s Gift written by Chieri Uegaki and illustrated by Genevieve Simms. Then with you child, answer the following:
- IDENTITY: Like Mayumi’s grandfather, is there something you enjoy doing with your kūpuna? Ask your kupuna what they enjoyed doing with their grandparents.
- SKILLS: Using clues from the story and illustrations, what are the changes that occur for Mayumi and her grandfather? Why are these changes happening?
- INTELLECT: What does the author mean when she says that moss is “a gift of time”?
- CRITICALITY: What lessons might we learn from Mayumi as she takes the anger and frustration she feels and makes them positive?
- JOY: With a kupuna,visit a Japanese rock garden like the ones at the Byodo-In at the Valley of the Temples, the East West Center, or 12th Avenue.
SPRING FLING
Mahalo nui loa to our kindergarten team and KES Ohana for putting on a very successful family engagement event this past Friday. Students along with their ʻohana got into the spring spirit by making crafts and hunting for eggs. Mahalo piha for all the staff who volunteered to ensure the event was enjoyed by all.
CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION
Mahalo nui loa to all who generously gave of their time this past Saturday. Their efforts to mālama our campus included our students, their ʻohana, staff, and military partners. Mahalo Piha to Jolyn Kresge, Wali Camvel, Dee Fujinaka, Shelby Hastings, Destiny Kuhlman, Māpuana Leong, and Kalei Tim Sing for organizing this event, highlighting the lōkahi we share in our dedication to our school.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVE SURVEY
Our Complex Area Superintendent, Sam Izumi has requested that each school complete the following survey so that his staff can complete a Comprehensive Needs Assessment for the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area. His goal is to fine tune the support his team provides to schools and requires the information to understand what our school needs. As such, please help us out by completing this survey by Friday, April 18. Mahalo nui loa for your assistance with this.
CELL PHONE POLICY SURVEY
The Hawaii State Department of Education will be launching a survey from April 21 to May 5 to gather feedback on cell phone use in schools. We want to hear from students, families, and staff about how cell phones impact learning and well-being. Your voice matters and will help shape future cell phone policies that support student success. Please be on the lookout for an email later this month.
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 KĀNEʻOHE SHIRT WEDNESDAYS
Help us build unity and show our lōkahi by wearing a shirt that celebrates Kāneʻohe on Wednesdays. Wear any previous Fun Run or grade level shirt.
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 when we meet in-person. If you would like to share your reflections on the week’s Aloha value, please contact me.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Apr 10 – May 2 | State Testing |
Apr 18 | Good Friday Holiday |
May 8 | STEM Hōʻike2:20 – 3:50 PM |
May 9 | Waiver Day – No Students |