Kamehameha Schools names UH Hilo alum as regional director for East Hawaiʻi Island
Aaron “Kilohana” Hirano is a ’94 grad of Kamehameha Schools and received his bachelor of arts in Hawaiian studies from UH Hilo.
Kamehameha Schools has named Aaron “Kilohana” Hirano regional director for East Hawaiʻi Island. The new position is part of the Community Engagement and Resources Group, a recent addition to the KS organizational structure. CE&R works to connect Kamehameha’s educational services and its ʻāina (land) stewardship within the communities it supports and elevates.
Born and raised in Hilo, Hirano is a 1994 graduate of Kamehameha Schools and holds a bachelor of arts in Hawaiian studies from Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
Hirano leads the alignment and integration of KS’s educational support service activities for east Hawaiʻi. As regional director, his kūleana (responsibility) includes facilitating region-wide educational planning, strategy, and implementation among KS divisions, community partners and collaborators.
“Kilohana brings a firm foundation in Hawaiian culture paired with excellent work ethics, and skills as an educator, to this important position,” says Alapaki Nahale-a, senior director of regional strategies.
With close to 20 years of educator experience, Hirano has devoted his life to educating east Hawaiʻi ʻōpio (youth). For 12 years, Hirano has spent working at KS as a Hawaiian language and culture kumu (teacher) at the Hawaiʻi campus middle school and most recently as a public education support program manager.
Prior to joining KS, Hirano served as a Hawaiian language immersion kumu at Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School and kumu at Keaukaha Elementary School.
“It’s an exciting time here at KS, with new opportunities to bridge our educational services with our partners, and the communities we live in,” says Hirano. “I look forward to serving Kamehameha Schools in our efforts to create a greater impact in East Hawaiʻi.”
