2026 Ka Lama Kū Annual Awards: UH Hilo students recognized for their outstanding leadership

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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.

Administrators and student award winners pose, students wear lei.
2026 Ka Lama Kū awardees of the individual awards stand with UH Hilo administrators. At far left is Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Lei Kapono, followed by student award winners Hulali Wisseman, Xailea Anderson-Iopa, Tuʻupuamalamakahonua Helekai, and Hayate Moro. At far right is Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. Missing is Shanoa Kahōkūala Quanan. (Courtesy photo)

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 18, 2026, at the Campus Center.

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.

2026 recipients of individual awards

  • Alakaʻi Award: Leadership — Tuʻupuamalamakahonua Helekahi
  • ʻIke Pāpālua Award: To Have the Gift of Vision — Shanoa Kahōkūala Quanan
  • Kuleana Award: Accountable and Responsible — Hulali Weissman
  • Laulima Award: No Task is Too Big When Done By All — Xailea Anderson-Iopa
  • Mālama Award: Taking Care of Others and Community — Hayate Moro

2026 recipients of group awards

  • Kuleana Award to the Vizionary Business Club: Hayate Moro, Makana Middlesworth, Azaria Evans, Jacelyn Lau, Trinity Ledgerwood, Charlotte Faye Rosario, Isabel Raymond, Kathleen Raab, Pualenalena Keahi, Zen Bueno, Arzel Bautista, Caleb Busque, and Kiersten Akemi Saludares.
  • Mālama Award to HOSA–Future Health Professionals: Jodee Miguel, Veda Galima, Leiya Torrano, Princess Respicio, Lexy Ramos, John Maneja, and Shanai Koli.

Full story and more photos at the Campus Center website and Kūkala Nūhou.

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