We all know people who roll with the punches seamlessly. For University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 accounting instructor Manu Kaʻiama, that sentiment stands true.
Life presented her a challenge—in this case, it was her federal funding, which limited the work she could do for Shidler. And with uncertainty looming over what funding will look like in the future, she’s pivoted her path. These days, Kaʻiama pours her talents, knowledge and passion into all things Native Hawaiian with class offerings for Shidler’s faculty and staff.
“I am working to ensure that 东精影业 supports the success of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) in learning, teaching, service and research across our campuses and nurtures Kanaka Maoli as leaders,” she said. “I am honored to be able to create opportunities for Shidler’s faculty and staff to inform their work by learning about Hawaiian language, culture, knowledge, and the present impacts of Hawaiʻi’s past history.”
Kaʻiama is a long-time Shidler employee, joining the college in 1991 as a full-time instructor in the . Over the years, her teaching excellence and community service have been recognized through numerous awards at the university, college and school levels. It was earlier this year that she began her Native Hawaiian courses, and they were instantly popular amongst her colleagues.
Fostering appreciation, respect
“She has used her expertise in accounting, Hawaiian culture and education to secure external support that has uplifted Native Hawaiian students, faculty and communities, directly impacting those most in need of education and opportunity,” School of Accountancy Director Hamid Pourjalali said.
Director of MBA Admissions Marc Endrigat added, “Manu is a wonderful resource for the college as far as her knowledge and all things Hawaiʻi are concerned. I really enjoyed the first session I attended as it was interactive, engaging and fun and I am looking forward to the upcoming ones.”
Her new classes have been filled to capacity, and each one covers a different topic, such as ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (language), customs and Hawaiian history. The content is designed to foster a deeper appreciation and respect for Native Hawaiian culture and people. She plans to continue the classes monthly with new content and offers a repeat session bimonthly for those who may have missed the first one.
“Manu’s work to share knowledge of Native Hawaiian topics to our faculty and staff is incredibly inspiring and supports the university’s initiatives for a Native Hawaiian place of learning,” Shidler Dean Vance Roley said.
Kaʻiama has a simple sentiment that she hopes her Shidler colleagues take with them after they leave her class.
“I hope they learn and appreciate more about living here in Hawaiʻi, and I really am hoping that it may kind of encourage them to do their own research; or to read some books or to learn more if they can, and then maybe to incorporate elements into their own roles here,” she shared.
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