The recent announcement of a vacancy on the Kamehameha Schools board of trustees has sparked a crucial conversation about the qualities essential for this pivotal leadership role. Trustees are not only entrusted with the significant responsibility of managing the school's $15 billion endowment, they also carry the profound duty of perpetuating Ke Aliʻi Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision for the Hawaiian people and homeland. This task demands individuals of exceptional skill, experience, and, crucially, a steadfast alignment with the founder’s worldview, making this an especially critical moment for Hawaii.
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) has expressed its unwavering support for Kamehameha Schools' mission. OHA's board of trustees stated their solidarity with Kamehameha Schools, emphasizing its mission to “uplift Native Hawaiians through education grounded in Hawaiian values, identity, and ʻāina-based stewardship.” This statement came in response to challenges against the school's admissions policy, highlighting the importance of upholding the foundational principles that guide the institution Kauai Now.
The search for new trustees comes at a time when the school’s role in Hawaii's business and social landscape is under constant scrutiny. Trustees earn up to $186,000 a year, highlighting the significant responsibility and influence they wield Civil Beat. They oversee an institution that not only educates thousands of students but also makes significant investments across various sectors, thus impacting the state’s economy and future leaders. The current board is tasked with a critical mission to care for their own, as the OHA board of trustees noted in their statement OHA.
As the selection process moves forward, the community must be vigilant in ensuring that the chosen trustees possess not only financial acumen but also a deep understanding of Hawaiian culture, values, and the long-term well-being of the community. The court has instructed Kamehameha Schools to make documentation accessible to the public reinforcing transparency in the selection process, a move designed to ensure accountability and public trust Civil Beat. This commitment to transparency reflects the broader need for the trustees to be accountable to the community they serve, as they guide the school toward fulfilling its enduring legacy.
