STATEMENTS OF VISION AND PHILOSOPHY

The Hawaiian Cultural Center is one of the ways Kamehameha Schools will meet its educational and cultural kuleana. The following statements reflect the vision and philosophy of the project and will serve as a guide throughout the planning, proposal, and implementation phases.

‘AHA KAIĀULU – COMMUNITY NETWORK

The term ‘aha has several meanings: "an assembly of people; cordage made of sennit used for lashing and binding; to outline the perimeter of an area with cordage; a service or ceremony requiring the use of sacred cordage, and the successful recitation of prayers." Kaiāulu means “community,” which is specifically defined in Hawaiian culture as a communal network of interdependent extended families. The combination of these two words brings together these on literal, metaphorical, and spiritual meanings creating a single vision.

‘Aha kaiāulu illustrates the vision of the Hawaiian Culture Center to develop and maintain a network of community-wide relationships among agencies, organizations, institutions, families, and individuals, that facilitates the transmission of information to Hawaiians of all ages regardless of their place of residence.

CULTURAL/EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Ancestral Connections

Honor the mana of our kūpuna (ancestors).

Honor and revere the traditional Hawaiian heritage of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi.

Honor our great king and namesake, Kamehameha I.

Honor pule and spirituality as being central in Hawaiian culture.

Promote cultural values, perspectives and attitudes.

Honor Hawaiian as the primary language at the center-- all languages will be respected.

Honor Hawaiian culture as the dominant culture at the center.

Practice traditional expressions of welcome and hospitality to all visitors.

Social/Educational Philosophy

Address social indicators by promoting Hawaiian culture.

Promote the retelling of Hawaiian history and culture from a Hawaiian perspective.

Practice traditional Hawaiian teaching styles.

Promote global connectedness between Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and all world cultures.

Promote the open exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Promote and utilize Hawaiian perspectives of assessment and measurement.

Kamehameha Schools System

Integrate Hawaiian cultural perspectives and practices throughout the Kamehameha Schools system.

Network to insure responsible decision-making and appropriate allocation of resources.

Support existing KS Hawaiian cultural activities and programs.