The announcement of a vacancy on the Kamehameha Schools board of trustees has sparked a call for reflection on the essential qualities needed for this pivotal leadership role. As guardians of a legacy founded by Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the trustees bear a significant responsibility to influence the lives of individuals across Hawai‘i while ensuring the enduring vision for their people and homeland is upheld. The demand for trustees who embody the founder’s worldview and possess the necessary skills and experience has never been more pressing.
Essential Qualities for Leadership
A successful trustee must demonstrate a commitment to a multidimensional understanding of wealth and well-being, known as waiwai. The individuals selected for this role must share a steadfast dedication to the mission of Kamehameha Schools, which aims to foster “a thriving self-determined lahui.” This mission transcends the academic and personal growth of students, emphasizing the interconnectedness of education, environment, economy, and culture. Trustees are expected to embody this commitment in their actions and decisions.
Confidence in serving as an oiwi leader, a native of the land, is crucial. This role entails not only an appreciation of Hawaiian history, language, and values but also the assurance to apply an oiwi perspective in decision-making. Effective trustees must navigate the complexities of modern governance while being grounded in ike Hawaii, or native wisdom. They should inspire a view of oiwi leadership as a rich source of insight rather than merely a traditional ornament.
A deep understanding of the familial connection between aina (land) and Hawaiian identity is another fundamental quality. In Hawaiian culture, land is viewed not as a mere asset but as a living ancestor integral to identity and worldview. Trustees must recognize this reciprocal relationship and commit to managing and caring for the aina in ways that respect ancestral values while fostering sustainability and resilience.
Leadership Experience and Systems Thinking
The vast resources and cultural legacy of Kamehameha Schools necessitate trustees with leadership gravitas. This quality is built through direct involvement in consequential decision-making. Those in this position must address shifting hopes and anxieties while maintaining disciplined, values-driven leadership to pave the way for intergenerational progress. Gravitas stems from the ability to balance competing interests, make tough decisions, and learn from outcomes.
Trustees must also embrace systems thinking, recognizing the complex and interconnected challenges facing Kamehameha Schools. An effective board member appreciates how education, health, environment, economics, and culture intertwine. With this holistic perspective, trustees can anticipate systemic effects and create synergies that promote long-term community well-being.
A grasp of financial and legal complexities is essential. Kamehameha Schools manages a considerable inheritance from its founder, whose vision spans generations. Responsibilities include understanding educational progress reports, financial strategies, cultural assessments, and legal frameworks. Interdisciplinary competency is vital for optimizing success in this multifaceted environment.
Collaboration is at the heart of a trustee’s role. The board functions as a team, and effective leadership relies on each member’s ability to work collectively, communicate openly, and reach consensus. Experience in team leadership is crucial for uniting around shared purposes and exemplifying pono leadership, which emphasizes righteousness and balance.
In conclusion, the role of a Kamehameha Schools trustee demands a combination of cultural grounding, visionary leadership, holistic thinking, and collaborative skills. As the board seeks to fulfill its mission and legacy, the qualities of its future members will be paramount in realizing the long-awaited and urgently needed outcomes.
Neil J. Kahoʻokele Hannahs, founder of Hoʻokele Strategies LLC, brings considerable experience to this discussion. With a 41-year career at Kamehameha Schools, he managed 358,000 acres of land and initiated the First Nations Futures Program and Hawaiʻi Investment Ready. His insights underscore the importance of the upcoming selection process and the lasting impact trustees will have on the future of Kamehameha Schools.
