2024 Kamiano Lū‘au a Tremendous Success
Over 400 alumni, friends, and families came together last Sunday, April 21st for a memorable celebration featuring live music performances by DMS Band, Kapua & Del Beazley, ‘Oluniu, Mailani Makainai, Keao Costa ʻ94, Grant Kono, and special guests. The event was hosted by the talented emcee Kaleo "KP" Pilanca.
A big thank you to our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers whose contributions made this Lū‘au an outstanding success!
Aloha mai kākou,
This year, six DMS students, under the guidance of kumu Partner Akiona ʻ03 and myself, volunteered to craft an oli (chant) for Damien Memorial School. Part of their journey was to research the moʻolelo (story) of this place, the ʻāina (land), Saint Damien, the school, and the people who bring life to our Damien community, past and present. These findings were woven into poetry and then translated into ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) by Kumu Melelani Pang as a gift to Damien Memorial School.
Standing in the beauty of Kapālama
Gathering together at Niuhelewai
Are the 3 waters of Kapūku‘i, Keālia and Kūwili
Woven together with the ‘Ōlauniu wind
Numerous are the kuleana lands
Our responsibilities are firm
As it was for Saint Damien
Under the grace of the Heavenly Father (God)
There is faith, hope and love
The oli speaks of Kapālama, our ahupuaʻa; Niuhelewai, the stream of Kapālama; Kapūkuʻi, Keālia, and Kūwili, the loʻi kalo (taro patches) flowing into the fishponds where fish were born and raised for food. This is our place and our stories. This ʻāina is a place of nurturing and vibrancy.
Our Kamiano Lūʻau visual symbolizes the three loʻi kalo near Damien. The water imagery depicts the wealth of our water resources that feed us. We are connected through the generations of students and families that share our special place and these hallways, our school. For our alumni, we welcome you home. For our students, the path is set for you by these distinguished alumni. For our families, you have trusted us with your most precious resource, your child. We mahalo you for the part of this journey that we share. Viriliter Age!
Aloha,
Dr. Pua Higa
Interim President & Principal
Mahalo
2024 Lū‘au Committee
Dr. Pua Higa, Interim Principal
Nicole Paishon, Asst. Principal
Joleen Lincoln, Exec. Assistant
Stephen Guzman ‘91, Marketing
Guy Lancaster ‘98, Facilities
Michele Zablan-Weaver, Staff
Melvin Andres ‘84,
Damien Alumni Association
Carla Carvalho, Parent
Kaleimomi Cezar, Parent
Tammy DeCenzo, Parent
Julie Kawakami, Parent
Board of Directors
Edmund Aczon
James Antos
Floyd Baptist ‘66
Johnny Bevacqua
Katie Brown
Aulani Kaanoi
Andrew Kim ‘85
Lanson Kupau ‘82
Ronald Malalis ‘99
|Wally Marciel ‘79
Table Sponsors
IBEW Local 1186
Pro-Care Transport Inc.
PA‘U
Nasimento Inc.
Big Chadʻs Playbook
JLL Solutions LLC.
Kana‘iʻs Rolloff LLC.
Kealii Cabrera Design Build & Construction
Island Marketing and Consulting Services
Damien Alumni Association
Damien Class of 1980
Damien Class of 1981
Damien Class of 1982
Damien Class of 1985
Parents, Students & Friends
Aidan Aquino
Alexander Gasmen
Andrew Lewis
Anthony Perez
Arianni Torres
Arthur Reichardt
Ayla Retuta
Blythe Yangson
Brent Limos
Candace Cabansag
Carla Dutro
Carmencita E. Lariba
Chaise Higuchi
Chaney Bareng
Cherish Joostberns
Christina Andres
Coach Bones Tuitele
Coach Eddie Williams
Dan Mawyer
David McCorriston
Deanna Arecchi
Devin Oishi
Don Fujii
Elizabeth Lugo
Elizabeth Valiente
Emily Koopman
Gabbi Hall
Gaston Gosselin
Gayle Pai
George Anthony Toro
Gloria Aquino
Hallie Smith
Hannah Cunningham
Isabella Martinez
Jackson Aplaca
Jaelyn Natividad
James Cramer Jr
Jamie Higa
Jason Monjaraz-Kim
Jay-Sean Aquino
Jean Amasol
Jeff McGivern
Jennifer Santos
John Esdicul
Joseph Trauger
Josie Damo-Agcaoili
Julie Kawakami
Justin Kim
Justin Kim
Kainalu Vierra
Kaleb Hattal
Karen Dixon
Keanu Longboy
Kenna Aki-Marcos
Kenna Wengler
Kody Wengler
Kennedy Fujii
Kris Stephen
Kyle Shimabukuro
Lauren Nicole Lau
Lauryn Grace Paloma
Leisia Alefosio
Lila Yewchuk
Lovelyn Lazaro
Maggie Hattal
Makamae Lyu- Napoleon
Marky Pagsanjan
Mary Costello
Max Johnson
Michael Casem
Neil Nitta
Nephi Tuitele
Paige Wilks
Phil Higa
Philip Balmores
Pono Peverly
Puni Chee
Rachel Pupiales
Ranson Buan
Rhea Quemado
Riley Malasig
Rodney Aquino
Ross Murakami
Sean Tyree
Shawn Sueoka
Shawna Lau Kong
Sonia Rivas Roblin
Spencer Lathrop
Tiare Lyu-Napoleon
Tien Nguyen
Victoria Valiente
Ward Higa
Weston Maria
Yvonne Manipon
Zoile Suico