Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 22, Number 8, 1 ʻAukake 2005 — Hawaiian student well-roimded through church, academics and culture [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian student well-roimded through church, academics and culture

Several months ago, readers were introduced to Joshua Kaiponohea Stender, student author of Kanu o ka 'Aina's book, Nā Makana a Nā I'a. I caught up with Kaipo and his mother as they participated in our annual convention of Hawaiian churches under the denomination of Ke Ali'i o nā Ali'i me ka Haku o nā Haku. When we last met, Kaipo was the famed 12-year-old Kanu o ka 'Āina Charter School student who had written the first ever student-produced book in the state DOE. Kaipo has since moved on to attend Honoka'a High School, primarily to fulfill his desire to play high school sports. His experience in transitioning from a culturally based curriculum to that of conventional schools wasn't difficult. Proud of the aeeomplishments of his former school, he encourages other teenagers struggling with conventional academics to try the alternative. "The hands on learning works for

some kids better than normal aeademics," Kaipo said. "We used to study the oeean by actually swimming everyday and I did research by asking other fishermen about different fish." He feels his experience at Kanu o ka 'Āina has built a solid foundation for him, preparing him for the changes he faces as a young adult, without losing touch with his culture and eommunity. Family life has played a major role in Kaipo's upbringing. His parents Joe and Warrene are deeply eommitted to their family, church, eulture and community. Both mom and dad have been involved with Kanu o ka 'Āina since it started as Kanu o ka 'Āina Hawaiian Academy, whieh began as a school within a school at Honoka'a High School in 1997. At that time, older brother Kanu'u was about to enter the 10th grade. Both Kaipo and Kanu'u thrived within the school's style of this hands-on, eul-ture-based learning. So mueh so that older brother Kanu'u graduated from

the UH-Hilo with a bachelor's degree in polilieal science and administration of justice. Staying true to their belief in the school, Warrene is currently the school's administrative services assistant, and Joe is a member of the school's site (facilities) team. Both mom and dad are very active members of Ka Hale Ho'āno O Ierusalema Hou, in Kukuihaele. Spiritual officers of the church, Joe holds the title Ha'i Euanelio (Evangelist), and Warrene is ordained as Kaikamahine a ka 'aha (Deaconess). Joe ean often be found taking on other roles such as handyman and eook for the congregation. Meanwhile, Warrene volunteers as praise and worship leader, church treasurer and president of the Mother's Club. When asked how the family integrates the Hawaiian cultural paradigm with Christianity, Warrene says, "We know we are Hawaiians. God put us on this earth as Hawaiians for a reason and a purpose. We love and live our culture. We are also children of God."

Looking toward the future, Kaipo first reflects on his past. "My parents raised me to be humble about everything I do, and to help one another," he said. "That's why my brother and I are so close." He's quick to thank his parents, his brother and his grandparents Marie and Robert Stender for always supporting him. Making his own way, he hopes to pursue eollege on the mainland with football playing a major role. Conservatively optimistic he adds, "if not football, them something in the line of film or computer animation." As far as writing in concerned, Kaipo says that he's working on another book influenced by his grandparents. Based on a true account involving a tidal wave in the 1 860s, the story takes plaee in the little village of Nīnole on the east side of Hawai'i island. Whether it's a football career, film or writing, we wish Kaipo and his 'ohana luek with all his future endeavors. l-l

l.i vāG

Colette Machado Trustee , Moloka'i and Lāna'i