Five outstanding students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo were honored with 2025 Ka Lama Kū awards, recognizing leadership grounded in Native Hawaiian values.
Hosted by the UH Hilo Ka Lama Kū Student Leadership Development Program, the April 15 ceremony honored students who are reflective of exemplary values such as alakaʻi (leadership), ʻike pāpālua (vision), kuleana (responsibility), laulima (collaboration) and mālama (care for others). A student committee selected this year’s recipients for their impact on campus and beyond.
Awardees
History major Shayne Victor received the Alakaʻi Award for his role in the Student Activities Council and multiple student clubs. “Shayne has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exemplary leader who inspires and empowers those around him,” wrote nominator Kamalani Poepoe.
Hayden Niles, a marine science major from South Dakota, was honored with the ʻIke Pāpālua Award for his vision and community service. “[Hayden] has given over 500 hours of time in our Hawaiʻi Island community over his years here,” said Julie Mowrer, acting director of the Center for Community Engagement.
Tavan Nakamura, a sophomore sociology major, received the Kuleana Award for his dependability and problem-solving skills in UH Hilo’s career services. “Tavan consistently seeks new ways for us to do things better, explores new processes and is able to share his vision effectively,” said Marcy Martinez, director of Career Services.
Gemmy Alegre, a pharmacy student and student senator, earned the Laulima Award. “Her goal is to create a supportive academic environment that promotes collaboration, well-being,” said Lara Gomez, associate dean for Academic Affairs at UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.
Kamalani Poepoe received the Mālama Award for her commitment to research, mentorship and cultural stewardship. A geology major minoring in astronomy, Poepoe’s work spans volcano research, Indigenous science, and even NASA’s Artemis mission. “Kamalani has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leading by example,” wrote nominator Shayne Victor.
The Ka Lama Kū Awards continue to celebrate UH Hilo leaders who walk with kuleana and light the path for others.
For more go to UH Hilo Stories.
—By Susan Enright
