The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ will kick off its third annual (HKHA) event on January 17, marking an intentional pause to recognize the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This free, six-day summit invites students, faculty and the community to come together to build —connections—through learning and sharing about Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯²õ history, present realities, and future aspirations. Hosted by the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office (NHPoL), the event embodies UH ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯²õ commitment to becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning and its designation as a .
“This event is about fostering deeper pilina—connections—to oneself, to others, especially those we may not have realized we share commonalities with, and to the ,” said Kaiwipunikauikaw¨¥kiu Punihei Lipe, director of Â鶹´«Ã½ Papa o ke Ao. “We hope participants leave with a new or strengthened tool, whether it be storytelling, listening deeply, or writing poetry, to help them continue building those meaningful connections.”
Organizers request that those who plan to attend so that they can make preparations for the anticipated numbers.
A summit of reflection, connection and action
HKHA also pays homage to the National Day of Racial Healing and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., reminding participants of the broader imperative to work toward equity and justice in Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond. The event¡¯²õ name, which translates to “Â鶹´«Ã½, my beloved home,” reflects its mission to foster inclusive connections across communities while preparing a future where Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯²õ moʻopuna can thrive.
The summit features a wide range of cultural workshops and ʻ¨¡¾±²Ô²¹-based activities. Highlights include a ceremony honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani and Martin Luther King Jr. and a special keynote by Native Hawaiian author and veteran politician Norma Wong.
Welcome ceremony
On Wednesday, January 22, HKHA will also include a special Hoʻokuleana ceremony, 9:30–10:45 a.m. on Â鶹´«Ã½ Hall lawn to officially welcome and bestow upon new UH President Wendy Hensel to the ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹ campus. Traditional protocol will be observed.
.
.