ABOUT PAʻI
PAʻI in Hawaiian translates to "sudden impact, or slap".
PAʻI is the acronym for Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima, the hālau hula (school of Hawaiian dance) founded in 1977 by kumu hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance), Vicky Holt Takamine.
Established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PA‘I’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian cultural traditions for future generations.
OUR MISSION
To preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian arts and cultural traditions for future generations.
We are guided and led by our founder and executive director Vicky Holt Takamine who is recognized as a Native Hawaiian advocate and community organizer around the issues of Native rights and the protection of the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i that are so vital to the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian cultural traditions.
PA‘I is anchored by members of Takamine’s hālau hula (traditional Hawaiian dance school), Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima.
While the perception of hula for many is that it is a form of entertainment for tourists or a hobby for individuals all around the world, hula has been instrumental in the preservation and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian language, art and cultural practices.
OUR VISION
To establish and maintain a sustainable Native Hawaiian arts and cultural center in urban Honolulu.
Springing from her vision, PA‘I sees Native Hawaiian artistic practices as a form of resistance, and often uses art for organization and empowerment.
THE PAʻI MOLE
ALOHA - The genuine love and respect for our kumu, ʻohana, kaiāulu (community), and lāhui.
KULEANA - A profound responsibility and allegiance to Hawaiʻi and our culture.
PILINA - Honoring the reciprocal relationship we have to ʻāina (land), wai (water), kūpuna (ancestors), and each other.
HAKUHIA - Constant creation and innovation of ideas and ways of knowing.
LEADERSHIP & STAFF
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VICKY HOLT TAKAMINE
Luna Hoʻokele
Executive Director
Kumu Hula - Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima
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JEFFREY TAKAMINE
Luna Hakuhia
Artistic Director
Kumu Hula - Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima
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JAY ROJAS
Luna Keʻena Kālā
Fiscal Officer
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KAʻIULANI TAKAMORI
Alakaʻi Papahana
Cultural Curator Program Manager
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CHARLENE HAZLEWOOD
Alakaʻi Keʻena
Office Coordinator
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VERNA KUROIWA
Kākoʻo Keʻena Kālā
Accounts Assistant
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NANCY KING
Laekahi Noi Kālā
Grants Administrator
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NICOLE TAKAMINE
Laekahi Hokona
Brand Marketing Specialist
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KAUILA MAHI
Kākoʻo Papahana
Cultural Curator Program Assistant
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J. CHING-IRVINE
Kākoʻo Papahana
Cultural Curator Program Assistant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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MARK KAWIKA MCKEAGUE
Pelekikena
President
Planner - Group 70 Inc.
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TOMMYLYNN MOKIHANA BENAVENTE
Hope Pelekikena
Vice President
Retired Professor - Leeward Community College
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ALISON HARTLE
Kākau ʻŌlelo
Secretary
Instructor - UH Lab School
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LUCINDA K. ʻĀINA LAU
Puʻukū
Treasurer
Marketing Director - Hale Koa Hotel
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CAROL NOELANI LAU
Luna Kākoʻo
Director
Retired Administrator - Comprehensive Family Care Center
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KIMBERLY CROZIER EVANS
Luna Kākoʻo
Director
Community Planner - Federal Aviation Administration
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MARVIN KALEO MANUEL
Luna Kākoʻo
Director
Director of Water Resources - Kamehameha Schools
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AGGY KUSUNOKI
Luna Kākoʻo
Director
Faculty, St. Andrew's Schools