TESTIMONY SUBMITTED
3/10/2015 - John DeLima
Aloha O John M.T. DeLima kou inoa. I am a 1993 graduate and a 4 yr boarder, my son is a 2013 graduate, my father is a 1961 grad and a 4 yr boarder, his brothers 1957 and 1963 are both grads and 4 yrs boarders and my Uncle is a 1954 grad and 4 yrs boarder. My grandfather started the Athletic Booster club due the state of the uniforms the kids were provided.
To be from this school means, PRIDE, CULTURE and TRADITION! Many of many fellow boarders and thousands of grads attribute LHS as the place that taught them how to be who they are. To not be afraid of hard work, and to stand on their own two feet. We were taught the value of having aloha and malama aina. The department fosters togetherness, and strong mentality to be all you can be. It was a positive influence on so many kids that would never have had the opportunity that the department provided. The expose to raising animals, growing your own food, and taking care of where you lived are essential life skills that, in some place cant be taught. The friendships are those for life and the pride you have is enduring and forever. I explore those at be to see that this school, established in 1831 by decree of Kamehameha III should be a beacon of knowledge and is a hallowed tradition that should never be up for compromise or debate. In Hawaii so many traditions have been cast aside for the sake of the budget , certain things are necessary for Hawaii to be Hawaii and this program is one of them. So many alumni will stand shoulder to shoulder is defense of this program. E Ala e my fellow graduates and alumni we must stand up for our beloved program. Kamehameha III believed in the concept of Lahainaluna, we are the proof it lives in all of us. Save our Boarding Department!!!
Aloha O John M.T. DeLima kou inoa. I am a 1993 graduate and a 4 yr boarder, my son is a 2013 graduate, my father is a 1961 grad and a 4 yr boarder, his brothers 1957 and 1963 are both grads and 4 yrs boarders and my Uncle is a 1954 grad and 4 yrs boarder. My grandfather started the Athletic Booster club due the state of the uniforms the kids were provided.
To be from this school means, PRIDE, CULTURE and TRADITION! Many of many fellow boarders and thousands of grads attribute LHS as the place that taught them how to be who they are. To not be afraid of hard work, and to stand on their own two feet. We were taught the value of having aloha and malama aina. The department fosters togetherness, and strong mentality to be all you can be. It was a positive influence on so many kids that would never have had the opportunity that the department provided. The expose to raising animals, growing your own food, and taking care of where you lived are essential life skills that, in some place cant be taught. The friendships are those for life and the pride you have is enduring and forever. I explore those at be to see that this school, established in 1831 by decree of Kamehameha III should be a beacon of knowledge and is a hallowed tradition that should never be up for compromise or debate. In Hawaii so many traditions have been cast aside for the sake of the budget , certain things are necessary for Hawaii to be Hawaii and this program is one of them. So many alumni will stand shoulder to shoulder is defense of this program. E Ala e my fellow graduates and alumni we must stand up for our beloved program. Kamehameha III believed in the concept of Lahainaluna, we are the proof it lives in all of us. Save our Boarding Department!!!
3/9/2015 - Lorraine Gomez-Karinen
Boarders Recruitment Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AXNzqvmyC8&feature=youtu.be
Boarders Recruitment Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AXNzqvmyC8&feature=youtu.be
3/8/2015 - Anuhea Reimann-Giegerl
Aloha ma Wasilla, Alaska. My name is Anuhea Reimann-Giegerl, keiki o Lahaina. My father and his siblings, my three brothers, two sisters and I graduated from Lahainaluna between 1935 and 1975. Our children and grandchildren have since followed in our footsteps at Lahainaluna and no doubt so will future generations. My grandmother, Alice Banham, was the Lahainaluna boarders' matron from about 1930 to about 1956 and is the composer of Yonder Lahaina Mountains, a beloved song which is sung on and off campus to this day. My eldest brother and sister are not alumni of Lahainaluna but they frequently accompanied my grandmother to the campus on the hill when she worked there and now hold dear their memories of time at Lahainaluna. Mrs. Pua Lindsey and later her daughter Mary Helen succeeded my grandmother as matron to the boarders. Both these ladies are related to our family through marriage. As you can see then, my family's personal connection to Lahainaluna is long and deep. You can imagine too that our support for the continuation of the boarding program at Lahainaluna is equally strong.
There is so much about Lahainaluna that is rich and unique, not the least of which is its boarding program. The program's history is one-of-a-kind, it's lasting impact upon the lives of each boarder is immeasurable and its contributions to Lahaina, the state of Hawai'i and beyond its shores are remarkable. These positive contributions to a world which is struggling to maintain peace and harmony should not be ignored or minimized.
Please do all that is necessary to ensure that this program continues to thrive and that the lives of our future boarders are enriched by this unique program.
Mahalo a nui loa,
Anuhea
Aloha ma Wasilla, Alaska. My name is Anuhea Reimann-Giegerl, keiki o Lahaina. My father and his siblings, my three brothers, two sisters and I graduated from Lahainaluna between 1935 and 1975. Our children and grandchildren have since followed in our footsteps at Lahainaluna and no doubt so will future generations. My grandmother, Alice Banham, was the Lahainaluna boarders' matron from about 1930 to about 1956 and is the composer of Yonder Lahaina Mountains, a beloved song which is sung on and off campus to this day. My eldest brother and sister are not alumni of Lahainaluna but they frequently accompanied my grandmother to the campus on the hill when she worked there and now hold dear their memories of time at Lahainaluna. Mrs. Pua Lindsey and later her daughter Mary Helen succeeded my grandmother as matron to the boarders. Both these ladies are related to our family through marriage. As you can see then, my family's personal connection to Lahainaluna is long and deep. You can imagine too that our support for the continuation of the boarding program at Lahainaluna is equally strong.
There is so much about Lahainaluna that is rich and unique, not the least of which is its boarding program. The program's history is one-of-a-kind, it's lasting impact upon the lives of each boarder is immeasurable and its contributions to Lahaina, the state of Hawai'i and beyond its shores are remarkable. These positive contributions to a world which is struggling to maintain peace and harmony should not be ignored or minimized.
Please do all that is necessary to ensure that this program continues to thrive and that the lives of our future boarders are enriched by this unique program.
Mahalo a nui loa,
Anuhea
3/8/2015 Jon Morioka
I am a graduate of Lahainaluna High School, Class of 1978. I was also a 4 year boarder at the school. The things that I learned, while being a boarder has helped me throughout my life and my career. My experience as a boarder helped me through my 20+ years in the Airforce, and my 25+ years as a local Police Officer.
The program gave me such experiences as living away from home for the very first time, which helped me grow up, and to become independent. Getting up early to work on the school grounds, taught me working skills, that I was able to use throughout my career. The friendship that was formed with the Lahaina students, and my fellow boarders are everlasting and will always be cherished.
I ask that the boarding program be continued. To close the program would not only be a lost to the school and community, but you would be ending something that was history making, and a maker of good citizens for our community and state.
I am a graduate of Lahainaluna High School, Class of 1978. I was also a 4 year boarder at the school. The things that I learned, while being a boarder has helped me throughout my life and my career. My experience as a boarder helped me through my 20+ years in the Airforce, and my 25+ years as a local Police Officer.
The program gave me such experiences as living away from home for the very first time, which helped me grow up, and to become independent. Getting up early to work on the school grounds, taught me working skills, that I was able to use throughout my career. The friendship that was formed with the Lahaina students, and my fellow boarders are everlasting and will always be cherished.
I ask that the boarding program be continued. To close the program would not only be a lost to the school and community, but you would be ending something that was history making, and a maker of good citizens for our community and state.
3/7/2015 - Keoki Reimann
I am a 1975 graduate and the last grand child of Alice K. Banham who was one of the first matrons for the boarding department. This program has been very helpful to many a young men and women who have gone through this program. It certainly been a very beneficial to their years after leaving this historic school. My next door neighbor uncle Ernest Hu Sing is a 1958 graduate boarder who continued on to college and later got into law enforcement. This has been a guiding light in achieving their dreams and goals. My grandmother had been the matron from 1929 through 1956 and to this day they have strong memories of her influence in their lives which had a great impact upon their future. I implore you to take great consideration upon this issue in which will have a great impact upon our future young people.
With humble Thanks The Reimann'Ohana
I am a 1975 graduate and the last grand child of Alice K. Banham who was one of the first matrons for the boarding department. This program has been very helpful to many a young men and women who have gone through this program. It certainly been a very beneficial to their years after leaving this historic school. My next door neighbor uncle Ernest Hu Sing is a 1958 graduate boarder who continued on to college and later got into law enforcement. This has been a guiding light in achieving their dreams and goals. My grandmother had been the matron from 1929 through 1956 and to this day they have strong memories of her influence in their lives which had a great impact upon their future. I implore you to take great consideration upon this issue in which will have a great impact upon our future young people.
With humble Thanks The Reimann'Ohana
3/5/2015 - Ruth McKay
Our son attended Lahainaluna in the late '70's and graduated in through since 1980. He was not a Border but the pride shown by the students was amazing. It is what makes them different from all other Public Schools. The tradition that carries through since 1831 is part of the history of Maui and should not be stopped by lack of funds or by lack of interest in a state run education system. Think of what you would be destroying because the decision makers are thinking only of funds and not students.
Our son attended Lahainaluna in the late '70's and graduated in through since 1980. He was not a Border but the pride shown by the students was amazing. It is what makes them different from all other Public Schools. The tradition that carries through since 1831 is part of the history of Maui and should not be stopped by lack of funds or by lack of interest in a state run education system. Think of what you would be destroying because the decision makers are thinking only of funds and not students.
3/5/2015 - Ilima Kahula
Aloha, my name is Ilima Kahula, a 1994 graduate preceded by my brother Michael Kahula in 1993, John Kahula in 1992 and my grandfather Henry Kahula Sr. in 1935. The boarding program cultivated in me a great deal of cultural knowledge, sense of community, responsibility and self discipline that I have taken with me and applied to my life. The bonds created between fellow boarders is unlike anything I have ever experienced, and it is these bonds between children and young adults that we see rapidly deteriorating in an age of fast paced technology. To discontinue this program would be a form of abandonment to our future generations. Our rich Hawaiian culture and values continue to thrive through this program and it lends to the uniqueness of our Hawaiian lifestyle and aloha spirit. Above all else, the Lahainaluna boarding program provides a platform for young men and women to succeed in their education and to learn the importance of agricultural sustainability. My path has taken me out of Hawai'i but my spirit and prayers are with you all. IMUA LAHAINALUNA BOARDING PROGRAM! Mahalo.
Aloha, my name is Ilima Kahula, a 1994 graduate preceded by my brother Michael Kahula in 1993, John Kahula in 1992 and my grandfather Henry Kahula Sr. in 1935. The boarding program cultivated in me a great deal of cultural knowledge, sense of community, responsibility and self discipline that I have taken with me and applied to my life. The bonds created between fellow boarders is unlike anything I have ever experienced, and it is these bonds between children and young adults that we see rapidly deteriorating in an age of fast paced technology. To discontinue this program would be a form of abandonment to our future generations. Our rich Hawaiian culture and values continue to thrive through this program and it lends to the uniqueness of our Hawaiian lifestyle and aloha spirit. Above all else, the Lahainaluna boarding program provides a platform for young men and women to succeed in their education and to learn the importance of agricultural sustainability. My path has taken me out of Hawai'i but my spirit and prayers are with you all. IMUA LAHAINALUNA BOARDING PROGRAM! Mahalo.
3/5/2015 - Lorraine Sablas
I am a proud graduate of Lahainaluna High School, class of 1961 and strongly support the unique boarding program at the school for obvious reasons so eloquently presented on this site.
I am not aware of any other similar program in existence anywhere else. We are an island state with unique needs, and this program is certainly one that meets a crucial need that is not met anywhere else. Please do not use your authority to stop this, rather use it to ensure that this historic tradition continues. Mahalo!
I am a proud graduate of Lahainaluna High School, class of 1961 and strongly support the unique boarding program at the school for obvious reasons so eloquently presented on this site.
I am not aware of any other similar program in existence anywhere else. We are an island state with unique needs, and this program is certainly one that meets a crucial need that is not met anywhere else. Please do not use your authority to stop this, rather use it to ensure that this historic tradition continues. Mahalo!
2/25/2015 Diane Pure
As requested, this is a condensed version of Testimony I presented in person at the 11/10/14 meeting: (1) For 8 years, I have been a volunteer at the Lahainaluna H.S. teaching students how to prepare for scholarship interviews & applying for their first job. (2) The Boarders I've I've met in general, tend to have more self-decipline, are responsible, practice good time management, good people skills, are respectful and have a work ethic. They understand teamwork, and getting along with peers. In short, they are fine young citizens. (3) To increase attendance, the program needs to be upgraded to meet the needs of students in the 21st Century. This can be done with creative thinking by the students, faculty and community. (4) We need to educate the public. Most people in the State & Counties don't even know there is a Boarder Program or most who do, think it's a private school. Once explained to the community, I feel there will be huge support. I have no doubt. (5) This Boarder Program was founded in 1836. This is a rich Tradition, the only public boarder program in the U.S. which has maintained the Hawaiian Culture for 178 years. Lahainaluna is the oldest HS west of the Mississippi, a symbol of the first capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom. (6) Every boarder I've ever met regardless of age is proud to say they are a graduate of the Lahainaluna Boarder Program and also quick to say that it was an experience that prepared them for the real world. (7) For some, the Boarder Program is a family tradition, for others a better education, and still others, a better environment for learning. Let's give them that opportunity. Mahalo!
As requested, this is a condensed version of Testimony I presented in person at the 11/10/14 meeting: (1) For 8 years, I have been a volunteer at the Lahainaluna H.S. teaching students how to prepare for scholarship interviews & applying for their first job. (2) The Boarders I've I've met in general, tend to have more self-decipline, are responsible, practice good time management, good people skills, are respectful and have a work ethic. They understand teamwork, and getting along with peers. In short, they are fine young citizens. (3) To increase attendance, the program needs to be upgraded to meet the needs of students in the 21st Century. This can be done with creative thinking by the students, faculty and community. (4) We need to educate the public. Most people in the State & Counties don't even know there is a Boarder Program or most who do, think it's a private school. Once explained to the community, I feel there will be huge support. I have no doubt. (5) This Boarder Program was founded in 1836. This is a rich Tradition, the only public boarder program in the U.S. which has maintained the Hawaiian Culture for 178 years. Lahainaluna is the oldest HS west of the Mississippi, a symbol of the first capitol of the Hawaiian Kingdom. (6) Every boarder I've ever met regardless of age is proud to say they are a graduate of the Lahainaluna Boarder Program and also quick to say that it was an experience that prepared them for the real world. (7) For some, the Boarder Program is a family tradition, for others a better education, and still others, a better environment for learning. Let's give them that opportunity. Mahalo!
2/25/2015 - Sy Feliciano
Aloha. I love how prayers become answered right before our eyes. So I sincerely mahalo kākou, thank you to everyone who is helping to improve our valuable boarding program. In general terms, sustainability is the endurance of systems and processes. The winds of Kauaula or anywhere can not put out this sustainable torch of wisdom. My vision for the boarding department runs deep, deeper than two minutes for sure. I can visualize the program in both Hawaiian and in modern Hawaii cultures. I hope to see us as the Hawaiian immersion center teaching traditional farming and culture. I can see the farm become an educational center for the community and way beyond. We can implement various sustainable methods like permaculture, Korean natural farming, organic, Hawaiian style, and diversified farming. This campus is a farm. Ambition takes energy, I understand. I hope to see a unified program, a unified and undivided school. The program could be one with the Agriculture program so easily, also one with various other programs. I am more than willing to help in any and every way I can and obviously I'm not the only one. Mahalo for everything
Aloha. My last comment is only a portion of my thoughts toward this purpose. Please understand that I am willing and able to kokua in any and all aspects. Mahalo
2/10/2015 - Emmanuel Borromeo
Hello my name is Emmanuel Borromeo. At the risk of sounding conceited I’d like to take a moment and tell you a little about me. I was born and raised on Maui. I graduated as a boarder from Lahainaluna High School in 1998. In 2003 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. I also have a Master’s degree in Business Administration. I served as an officer and aviator in the United States Navy for 11 and a half years. I am an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran. I currently work as a manager at a large energy services corporation. I don’t want to leave the impression that I walk around introducing myself, listing my accomplishments. Ask anyone who knows me I’m just a local boy. I list these accomplishments only because they are the result of the experiences I had, and the generous people who gave so much, during my tenure as a boarder at Lahainaluna High School.
The raw nature of the experience lends itself towards learning very important life lessons. Have you ever gone to school smelling of pig excrement? Humility. Have you ever cleared an acre of pili grass with hoes and picks? Hard work. Have you ever scrubbed a bathroom to the demanding standards of an upperclassman? Respect. Have you ever lead a group of 14 year olds in cleaning said community bathroom to livable standards? Leadership, Teamwork. The average day of a boarder is exhausting. However, unbeknownst to the boarder, it is an exhausting day filled with purpose. I know now that much of what I learned about many important foundational character traits, I learned while a boarder at Lahainaluna. Accountability, communication, consistency, commitment, motivation, organization, patience, and trust. It was the most formative experience of my life and I owe a great debt of gratitude to the place and the people.
Many individuals have benefitted from their boarding experience. Collectively we are among the hardest working and dedicated people you’ll ever know. There is no question as to the benefit the program brings to the people and the Hawaii community. To our community and culture, the Lahainaluna boarding department holds a place in our history and identity. Too often in life and in government we focus too much on the things we need to do (balance budgets and tasks), when what we should actually be doing is putting the focus on who we are. Are we a people who values developing future leaders? Are we a people who values creative learning experiences? Are we a people who values tradition? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you must find a way to make the Lahainaluna Boarding Department work. The question is not: is the Boarding Department worthy of all this money, time, and effort? But rather: is our money, time, and efforts worthy of the Boarding Department?
11/11/14 - Sammy Papagayo
Mission and vision statement ..why don't we use what's in the Boarders had book ?
The objectives of the Boarding Department are:
a. To create in the Boarder desirable work habits, good body coordination, self-sufficiency, self –discipline, and an understanding and acceptance of responsibility.
b. To create an environment around the Boarder that will expand his or her horizon vocationally, socially, and culturally.
11/10/14 - Nancy Young
integrating our cultural heritage while learning 21st century skills for a 22nd century world.
Aloha. I love how prayers become answered right before our eyes. So I sincerely mahalo kākou, thank you to everyone who is helping to improve our valuable boarding program. In general terms, sustainability is the endurance of systems and processes. The winds of Kauaula or anywhere can not put out this sustainable torch of wisdom. My vision for the boarding department runs deep, deeper than two minutes for sure. I can visualize the program in both Hawaiian and in modern Hawaii cultures. I hope to see us as the Hawaiian immersion center teaching traditional farming and culture. I can see the farm become an educational center for the community and way beyond. We can implement various sustainable methods like permaculture, Korean natural farming, organic, Hawaiian style, and diversified farming. This campus is a farm. Ambition takes energy, I understand. I hope to see a unified program, a unified and undivided school. The program could be one with the Agriculture program so easily, also one with various other programs. I am more than willing to help in any and every way I can and obviously I'm not the only one. Mahalo for everything
Aloha. My last comment is only a portion of my thoughts toward this purpose. Please understand that I am willing and able to kokua in any and all aspects. Mahalo
2/10/2015 - Emmanuel Borromeo
Hello my name is Emmanuel Borromeo. At the risk of sounding conceited I’d like to take a moment and tell you a little about me. I was born and raised on Maui. I graduated as a boarder from Lahainaluna High School in 1998. In 2003 I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. I also have a Master’s degree in Business Administration. I served as an officer and aviator in the United States Navy for 11 and a half years. I am an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran. I currently work as a manager at a large energy services corporation. I don’t want to leave the impression that I walk around introducing myself, listing my accomplishments. Ask anyone who knows me I’m just a local boy. I list these accomplishments only because they are the result of the experiences I had, and the generous people who gave so much, during my tenure as a boarder at Lahainaluna High School.
The raw nature of the experience lends itself towards learning very important life lessons. Have you ever gone to school smelling of pig excrement? Humility. Have you ever cleared an acre of pili grass with hoes and picks? Hard work. Have you ever scrubbed a bathroom to the demanding standards of an upperclassman? Respect. Have you ever lead a group of 14 year olds in cleaning said community bathroom to livable standards? Leadership, Teamwork. The average day of a boarder is exhausting. However, unbeknownst to the boarder, it is an exhausting day filled with purpose. I know now that much of what I learned about many important foundational character traits, I learned while a boarder at Lahainaluna. Accountability, communication, consistency, commitment, motivation, organization, patience, and trust. It was the most formative experience of my life and I owe a great debt of gratitude to the place and the people.
Many individuals have benefitted from their boarding experience. Collectively we are among the hardest working and dedicated people you’ll ever know. There is no question as to the benefit the program brings to the people and the Hawaii community. To our community and culture, the Lahainaluna boarding department holds a place in our history and identity. Too often in life and in government we focus too much on the things we need to do (balance budgets and tasks), when what we should actually be doing is putting the focus on who we are. Are we a people who values developing future leaders? Are we a people who values creative learning experiences? Are we a people who values tradition? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you must find a way to make the Lahainaluna Boarding Department work. The question is not: is the Boarding Department worthy of all this money, time, and effort? But rather: is our money, time, and efforts worthy of the Boarding Department?
11/11/14 - Sammy Papagayo
Mission and vision statement ..why don't we use what's in the Boarders had book ?
The objectives of the Boarding Department are:
a. To create in the Boarder desirable work habits, good body coordination, self-sufficiency, self –discipline, and an understanding and acceptance of responsibility.
b. To create an environment around the Boarder that will expand his or her horizon vocationally, socially, and culturally.
11/10/14 - Nancy Young
integrating our cultural heritage while learning 21st century skills for a 22nd century world.