Aloha friends and family

Thank you and welcome to Keala’s new fundraising website. We are launching this website as a way to support Keala’s halau, Te Hau Nui School of Hula & Tahitian Dance, who have committed to raising funds for Keala’s Uniki Program. This is unique and very special training program for Keala to become a hula teacher and carry on the legacy of her beloved hula teacher, Kumu Lorraine Kinnamon. As parents, Desha and I, are grateful to the late Lorraine and her sister Charmaine for their love and support for Keala. We are particularly grateful to Keala’s hula sisters in Te Hau Nui for their commitment to carrying on the legacy of their beloved kumu who passed away in 2024.

When Keala first told us of the great news of her acceptance into the Uniki Program under a Hawaiian icon as Kumu Hula Frank Kawaikapuokalan Hewett, we were skeptical because she had just been accepted to University. of Hawaii at Manoa starting in the Fall 2026 term. We had informed her that we would not be able to support her financially with the Uniki Program cost because our priority is to fund her college education. When she assured us that the halau was committed to raising funds for the Uniki Program, then we became more supportive. We are particularly inspired by the halau’s belief in Keala’s abilities and spirit to become a hula teacher for their halau.

Hula has been a spiritual re-awakening for Keala after the devastation of the pandemic on the young people in high school. It has literally become a grounding for her soul and we believe will continue to be a grounding and community for her while attending UH Manoa.

Any help you can provide to support Keala’s journey on this Uniki Program is greatly appreciated. Please visit the Support page to learn how you can help support her on this journey.

Gratefully,

Desha & Vid
Super proud parents