L to R: Kaysan Nakatsu, Rainbow Uli‘i, Kumu Kale Kau‘i, Ka‘ehu Keawe, Benji Ah Sing
Kapālama Uka, O‘ahu – On Wednesday, September 5, members of the Sophomore Class kicked off this year’s “Hālāwai Series”–a pilot program of ‘ohana gatherings to help students understand their grade-level value of hō‘ihi (respect).
At our first Hālāwai of the year, student speakers, Kaysan Nakatsu & Rainbow Uli‘i, spoke of “Hō‘ihi i Ke Akua,” or respect for God, sharing personal stories of how their faith in Ke Akua has strengthened them in difficult times. “There was a time in my life, where I was struggling with who I was. I could never find myself, because I felt that I needed to be perfect, and I needed to please everyone else. God helped me to discover that the only person I needed to make happy was Him,” shared Rainbow.
Kaysan, recovering from a recent football injury, shared his story: “Some of my teammates carried me off onto a golf cart, and all I knew was that I was in pain. When I went off to the sideline, I asked Coach Stant to give me a blessing. While his hands were upon my head, the whole team–players, managers, and coaches–formed a circle of unity around me . . . After that, I went to the hospital. I was in excruciating pain . . . I was waiting for a long time, and I would ask my mom to hold my hand because in my other hand, I felt another hand–God’s hand. I strongly knew it was Him because I had a warm feeling. To know the presence of God was in the room made me have more faith, love, and respect for him.”
After their moving speeches, the audience was treated to a chicken-skin performance by sophomore guitarist, Ka‘ehu Keawe, and vocalists, Rainbow Uli‘i and Benji Ah Sing. In sweet 2-part harmony they reminded us: “there is no problem too big, God cannot solve it. There is no mountain too tall, He cannot move it. There is no storm too dark, God cannot calm it. There is no sorrow too deep, He cannot soothe it. If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know my brother that He will carry you.” To close the Hālāwai, students were shown a video that highlighted other classmates who shared what respect for God means to them.
“The Hālāwai Series is a re-affirmation of what we have already been doing for generations–sitting down together as ‘ohana & talking story about what we value, what we know to be pono,” said Kale Kau‘i, Character Education Coordinator. “Some of our students don’t experience these faith-building conversations at home, so it’s nice to see this class coming together as an ‘ohana & speaking from their na‘au.”
The next Hālāwai Hō‘ihi will be on Wednesday, November 28 at 11:25 am in the Ke‘elikōlani Auditorium. You are welcome to attend! Seating is available in the balcony area on the 2nd floor.
