Education may be considered one of the most powerful weapons in the world. It can teach and it can empower. And while it can create argument and division, Kanoelehua Nakata (class of 2012),  showed how she uses education to create a sense of community. 

“I always had this sense of naʻau pono, this seeking of justice, like many people from different walks of life, I always felt there were things that needed to be changed or fixed. But while I was in high school I didn't know that Hawaiian activism was going to be my calling. While I attended college, it was there I learned more about not only Hawaiian history but events that were taking place at present. It was through this that I learned more about what I believed should be changed,” she explained. 

Shortly after high school, she honed in on her interest in Hawaiian studies through video game development. “It was through this non-profit called Kanaeokana and it's a Hawaiian education video game, and it teaches the values of aloha ʻāina. After applying for and getting the job, our group of 16 people made the game in three weeks. So we learned about programming, we learned about game theory, and we learned about music production,” she said. 

Even though Nakata did not want to become a teacher initially, she explained that it was a bad experience with a Hawaiian studies teacher that made her want to come back. “For a long time, I did not want to become a teacher. But I did know that once I chose to do Hawaiian Studies, it was always a dream to come and teach here because I didn't like the Hawaiian Studies education I got here. When I went to Kalāheo the Hawaiian Studies teacher was from the Continental U.S and he would argue with Hawaiian students in the class. I remember specifically about the Hawaiian alphabet. For example, he would say that there is no “T” in the Hawaiian language, when there is. So because of him, I found purpose in giving others the education and experience that I wanted and wished I had,” she explained. 

Still a new teacher at the school, Nakata acknowledged how she is still learning how to build a Pono ( fair, just) school community. Using her experiences as a student, she never wants anyone to feel the way she did.She never wants students to feel excluded and believes that all students, whether Hawaii is their permanent home or not, can benefit from understanding an indigenous culture and the importance of knowing their own and others’ cultures. 

“That's something that I don't necessarily know how to address. How many students assume things about me or each other? But I think that's a part of being a teacher and I think I have a good relationship with students.  I think all students are equal, and that's important to me. I don't want students from the Continental U.S. to think that they can't come to me because I do not like them because they are not local, that's not true at all. I don't hold that against anyone, I don't find a personal conflict with any student,” she articulated. 

And while Nakata found a passion for Hawaiian education, her family had their concerns. But she didnʻt let their feelings deter her. She shared that students should not let the opinions of others get in their way either. “My family was always concerned that I wouldn't be successful with Hawaiian Studies. And since certain degrees aren't going to be successful, why should we go into them? Questions that came from both my parents and grandparents were “What do you do with a Hawaiian Studies degree?” “How will this make enough money, etc”.  But I just felt that this was what I wanted to do. Even if I was financially fulfilled, I would not have been fulfilled personally. Sure I could've gone to law school, I could've, have done great in  environmental law, I would have done great in social work but at the end of the day, my advice would be to just do what you want, because it's your life,” 

Now, Nakata has goals and dreams of expanding Hawaiian education at Kalāheo High. “I really want there to be a Hawaiian language class at Kalāheo, that's the goal. And to me that will happen. But the  dream is to have a Hawaiian immersion school attached to the school. Similar to how Kailua has an immersion school attached to their campus. I want that for Kalāheo. But  dreams take a lot of work. So I have to start small because I'm the new teacher,” she explained. 

Through her work in activism and education, Nakata made it clear to other students who want to pursue their dreams, to never stray from what they believe in and what they want to do, “If you have this sense, or desire to change society, or make the world at least a better place while you're in it, then I strongly support that, and that the biggest supporter that you're going to find when you do those things is yourself, so you have to believe in yourself to do great things.”