Aloha mai kakou to the Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School learning community. We hope this message finds you all enjoying some happy times together during the Summer Break. We definitely miss the learners on campus and look forward to their return on Monday, August 5th.

The great American civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Junior once wrote, “Unconditional love will have the final word in reality.” I think the brilliant words of Dr. King Jr. do capture the unconditional love and support of our school from Rafael Tapia. We will sadly see Rafael Tapia step away from his duties as Vice Chairperson of our Board of Directors after six transformative years at our school. We greatly appreciate his contributions to Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School.

Rafael and his ohana jumped in and started with the school when we first opened, as you can see from their contributions to our first-ever campus cleanup. Despite all the challenges, obstacles, and issues that come with the opening of a brand new school, Rafael stepped forward with great guidance, vision, and governance at the Board of Directors level to assist with the continuous improvement of our school. Rafael was a key supporter of our work in presenting to the state of Hawai’i Charter Commission, where we received our five-year charter renewal and full expansion up to Grade Eight. Most recently, Rafael happily shared his knowledge, background, and creativity in helping to design the two new buildings that will be constructed on our campus to house both Art and ‘Ike Hawai’i classes going into our bright future. Nobody who enjoyed the Grade Six Koke’e Overnight Trip in 2023 will ever forget Rafael’s boundless energy and enthusiasm. These are just a few examples of the countless unconditional acts of love that Rafael gave to Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School.

Mahalo nui loa e Rafael and both you and your ohana will be deeply missed in our learning community. We extend great gratitude for your contributions to Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School and send warm aloha for continued success in your adventures off-island in the next few years.

At his last Board of Directors Meeting on Monday, Rafael shared some poignant words of wisdom for all in attendance as his parting gift to us. We wish to express our appreciation to Bob Wu, who has graciously agreed to step into the Vice Chairperson position with Rafael moving on.

Best wishes to you all for a continued splendid Summer Break. Malama pono.

DJ Adams
Po’okumu (Director)
Alaka’i O Kaua’i Charter School
Koloa, Hawai’i