2024 Ka Lama Kū: UH Hilo students receive awards for their outstanding leadership on campus

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Based on Native Hawaiian cultural values, the annual Ka Lama Kū awards recognize the exceptional contributions the honorees make as student leaders on campus.

Students holding their certificates, with staff advisor, indoor setting.
Group photo of winners at the 2024 Ka Lama Kū Student Awards ceremony held on April 19, 2024. Individual award information can be found in the post below. (Courtesy photo: Ka Lama Kū)

By Staff/UH Hilo Stories.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Development Program held its annual award ceremony on April 19, 2024.

Based on Native Hawaiian cultural values, the program’s Ka Lama Kū Awards recognize contributions students have made in their formal and informal leadership roles on campus and acknowledges those individuals who show strong evidence of future leadership potential.

Each year, a committee of UH Hilo students reviews the nominations for Ka Lama Kū Award recipients and selects the awardees.

Students and student groups were honored for displaying one or more of the values of Ka Lama Kū: Alakaʻi (leadership), ʻIke Pāpālua (gift of vision), Kuleana (accountable and responsible), Laulima (no task is too big when done by all), and Mālama (taking care of others and community).

“Mahalo to all the staff, speakers, and nominators for giving us a chance to highlight the Vulcans who are making a difference on campus and in the community,” the Ku Lama Ku staff posted on their Instagram.

Individual Awards

  • Alakaʻi Award: Leadership — David Mayser
  • ʻIke Pāpālua Award: To Have the Gift of Vision — Tehani Ursua (unable to attend event)
  • Kuleana Award: Accountable and Responsible — Leilani Auld (unable to attend event)
  • Laulima Award: No Task is Too Big When Done By All — Devin Brown
  • Mālama Award: Taking Care of Others and Community — Adelie Del Rosario
  • Overall Ka Lama Kū Individual Award — Leiya Torrano

Group Awards

ʻIke Pāpālua Group Award: Kaiameaola Club.

Students holding certificates and one is holding plaque. At left is the Ka Lama Ku banner.
Kaiameaola Club representatives, from left, Brianna Ninomoto, Sibley Barnette, and Josephine Tupu. At right is guest at the event, Ariel Patterson. (Courtesy photo: Ka Lama Kū)

The Kaiameaola Club, home-based at the UH Hilo tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate program, is dedicated to increasing student involvement with the conservation community through service projects on and around Hawaiʻi Island. The club builds supportive relationships within the program and with the local community through various club events. Membership is open to undergraduates, graduate students, members of the UH Hilo ʻohana, and members of the local community who are interested in conservation and environmental science.

Overall Ka Lama Kū Group Award: Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center

Students, one is holding a bunch of certificates, one is holding a plaque. At left is the Ka Lama Ku banner.
Student representatives from Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center, from left, front row, Puʻuwai Tollefson-Kelly, Anuhea Nakano, and ʻIliahi Park. From left, back row, Taecia Kukui Akana, Pualani Ovono, Jocelyn Cabatu, Keʻalohilani N.K.N.L.Y. Kama-Hosea. (Courtesy photo: Ka Lama Kū)

The Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center’s vision is to ensure a Hawaiian place of learning at UH Hilo. Kīpuka promotes Native Hawaiian student success through the provision of culturally appropriate and responsive student support services and activities; supports the academic development and success of Native Hawaiians by promoting learning environments that are culturally responsive and appropriate; and implements community and cultural programs to increase educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians within Hawaiian and Pacific communities.

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