Beginning at the end of the 2019-2020 school year and into the current 2020-2021 school year, we are in the midst of a huliau - a time of change. The way we see each other, act with each other, and do things as individuals or as a group has shifted. Although with its challenges, we remain makaʻaka (alert) and pay attention to what is around us in order for us to adapt or pivot our stance in not losing sight of the goals that we want to attain or the destinations that we want to arrive at. We continue to see resiliency in all that we do during this time. Because we know more now than what we knew back in March 2020 when this global pandemic was profoundly spreading throughout our world, nation, state, island, communities, and ʻohana, we have learned to be victors and not victims of the uncertainty.

As with every school year, beginning in the 2012-2013, my arrival at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Kula Kiʻekiʻe, there has been a theme. These yearly themes stand as symbols and guides for not only the year, but hopefully also a culminating reminder, strengthening for years after our foundational stance of who we are and where we come from. With each word it ignited our need to move forward with advocacy, safety, and well-being of self and others - THIS IS HOʻOKANAKA - to seek one's self-worth during these changing times with honor of our ʻāina (land), moʻokūauhau (genealogy), mōʻaukala (history), ʻōlelo (language), and ʻike hana (practice). 

As the road to recovery will be long, ongoing, consistent, and constant, connectivity and communication will be important for all - with 'ohana, with community, with school, with friends - to ensure our own existence and presence during these changing times. We find those portals of normalcy that still require our attention so that we can act now so that it may benefit others. We keep informed of what is happening around us at all times so that we are aware of our past, present, and our hopes for our future. E ala hoʻi kākou i ka huliau! Remain alert to the changing times!