Hinaleimoana K.K. Wong-Kalu
Honolulu,USA
Summary
Dynamic cultural ambassador with proven success in community engagement at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Skilled in cultural sensitivity training and conflict resolution, promoting Hawaiian heritage while encouraging collaboration among diverse groups. Recognized for storytelling and advocacy initiatives, with expertise in crisis intervention and program development. Strong focus on communication and problem-solving to achieve positive community outcomes.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Cultural Ambassador and attache to CEO
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Honolulu, Hawaii
10.2021 - Current
- Applied cultural knowledge to enhance community engagement with partners and beneficiaries.
- Organized workshops and events showcasing various cultural traditions and practices.
- Arranged meetings with representatives from foreign embassies to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
- Promoted cultural heritage through social media and public relations campaigns.
- Provided insights and guidance to inform council programming and outreach initiatives.
- Conducted workshops and seminars focused on Hawaiian cultural empowerment and preservation.
- Collaborated with in-house teams to address specific cultural needs and requirements.
- Provide spiritual grounding, advise and guidance to Executive leadership and overall organization
- Maintain employee relations and morale and implement conflict resolution within company
Filmmaker and storyteller
Filmmaker and storyteller
Honolulu, HI
01.2017 - Current
- Collaborated with Kanaka Pakipika colleagues on film-making and storytelling projects.
- Developed scripts and storyboards for various film projects.
- Recorded voiceovers in professional recording studios.
- Attended festivals and industry events to network and showcase films.
- Conducted research to ensure the film's content was accurate and culturally sensitive.
- Collaborated with composers, sound designers, and visual effects teams to refine film's final look.
- Led ongoing projects including completion of Kapaemahu feature film and Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum exhibit.
- Produced Kapo Mai Lele animated short film as part of collaborative efforts.
- Featured in 2021 Reel Wahine: Women in Hawaii Film Industry Season III as a subject.
- Contributed to 2020 Kapaemahu, an Oscar Top 10 Nominee for Best Short Animated Film.
- Achieved numerous awards at Hawaii, International, and American film festivals for Kapaemahu.
- Directed 2018 Leitis in Waiting and Lady Eva, both recognized internationally at film festivals.
- Developed Kumu Hina in 2014 and Ke Kulana He Mahu in 2001, enhancing local cinematic landscape.
Caregiver
Ohana
Honolulu, Hawaii
01.2015 - Current
- Support mother with daily needs on a full-time basis at home
Independent Consultant/Cultural Advisor
Independent Consultant/Cultural Advisor
Honolulu, HI
09.2011 - Current
- Provided cultural advice for Howard Hughes Corporation's Ward Village Development Project, integrating cultural perspectives into development processes.
- Conducted cultural sensitivity training for all construction site workers to enhance understanding and respect.
- Facilitated in-house sessions on culture, language, and history for administrative staff and leadership, promoting cultural awareness.
- Enabled directives for cultural education initiatives endorsed by the company to strengthen community ties.
- Coordinated spiritual and cultural blessings for significant events, including groundbreakings and community engagements.
- Assisted in naming events and spaces to reflect cultural values within development projects.
- Hosted monthly cultural events like Kona Nui Nights, celebrating Hawaiian arts and traditions with prominent artists.
Consultant/Primary proponent
Consultant/Primary proponent for the Kumu Hina documentary film project and A Place In The Middle film short
Honolulu, HI
01.2011 - Current
- Acted as ambassador for films in Hawaii and internationally, promoting educational themes.
- Facilitated audience engagement through Hawaiian cultural perspectives on gender diversity and interpersonal relationships.
- Contributed to film's recognition by assisting in obtaining prestigious accolades, including PBS Independent Lens Audience Award.
- Supported film initiatives initiated by Dr. Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, residents of Hawaii.
- Participated in film production starting in 2011, culminating in public release in April 2014.
- Accompanied film to various destinations for proponent support since its debut.
Independent consultant/resource
Honua Consulting
Honolulu, HI
01.2008 - Current
- Consulted independently on translation of Hawaiian language and cultural insights.
- Contributed to Hawaiian Monk Seal project through community engagement and advocacy efforts.
- Facilitated cultural informant interviews for occasional projects
Community Advocate
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
Honolulu, HI
01.2017 - 10.2021
- Applied Hawaiian language, culture, and history to engage meaningfully for organizational goals.
- Facilitated community engagement through outreach programs and informational workshops.
- Advocated for policy changes to benefit the Hawaiian community and its residents.
- Built relationships with stakeholders to enhance community support initiatives.
- Inspired communities and individual citizens to mobilize and coordinate forces and develop tools to accomplish social change.
- Performed canvassing activities to drum up support and increase funds.
- Facilitated community workshops and seminars both in-person and online for stakeholder feedback.
- Served as OHA's designated representative at the Festival of the Pacific.
- Conducted community listening sessions to gather insights and enhance engagement strategies.
- Executed directives from OHA executive leadership to align with strategic objectives.
Instructor
Oahu Community Correctional Center and Halawa Correctional Facility
Honolulu, HI
01.2016 - 06.2021
- Facilitated cognitive skills classes centered on Hawaiian culture to empower individuals in social settings.
- Conducted engaging lectures and demonstrations, enhancing learning experiences through group activities.
- Encouraged critical thinking by leading discussions among inmates to foster analytical skills.
- Coordinated with community organizations to bolster inmate rehabilitation efforts and support initiatives.
- Adapted teaching methods for diverse physical and emotional capabilities of students.
- Monitored student behavior to sustain a positive and effective educational environment.
- Established classroom management rules and enforced consequences for disruptions.
- Participated in ongoing education focused on diversity and inclusion to reduce learning barriers.
Teacher
Halau Lokahi Public Charter School
Honolulu, Hawaii
09.2001 - 11.2014
- Led K-12 instruction in Mele Hula/Oli/Himeni, emphasizing Hawaiian culture and spirituality.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to foster critical thinking and collaboration skills.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance active student participation.
- Organized extracurricular activities to boost community involvement and student engagement.
- Maintained open communication with parents regarding student performance and progress.
- Supervised students throughout the day, ensuring a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff to strengthen community ties.
- Coordinated transportation logistics for educational field trips and commencement ceremonies.
Community Outreach Worker
Ke Ola Mamo Native Hawaiian Health Care System
Honolulu, HI
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Conducted outreach and prevention education targeting high-risk Native Hawaiian individuals for HIV.
- Organized health workshops to improve community health among Native Hawaiian populations.
- Facilitated programs enhancing health awareness and education in the community.
- Collaborated with local organizations to promote accessible health services and resources.
- Assisted community members in navigating healthcare services and benefits.
- Trained staff on effective outreach strategies and community engagement practices.
- Developed partnerships with local organizations to coordinate programs addressing community needs.
- Represented organization at conferences focused on social justice initiatives.
Hawaiian Language Extension Education Program Instructor
Leeward Community College
Honolulu, HI
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Facilitated Hawaiian language and cultural education for community members at multiple sites such as Nanakuli High School, Castle High School, Papakolea Community Center, and Kapahulu Community Church in collaboration with Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Alu Like Program
Cultural and educational interpreter and guide
Bishop Museum
Honolulu, HI
01.1995 - 12.1995
- Guided students and guests on culturally based tours of the Hawaii Loa canoe exhibit.
- Served as an educational interpreter for Polynesian artifacts at the Bishop Museum.
- Acted as a cultural resource during community interactions linked to museum activities.
- Led exhibit activities highlighting the significance of double-hulled sailing canoes.
- Presented engaging narratives around the voyaging traditions of Polynesia.
Passenger Service and Operations support
Ogden Allied/Polynesian Airlines
Honolulu, HI
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Delivered comprehensive passenger service and operations support for Polynesian Airlines.
- Managed check-in and baggage services to enhance operational efficiency.
- Coordinated operations communications to streamline information flow.
- Conducted gate checks for departures and arrivals to ensure timely operations.
- Provided language translation for Samoan and Tongan passengers during immigration and customs processing.
- Implemented crowd control measures and managed check-in lobby during peak travel seasons.
- Monitored Sitatex baggage tracking system to maintain accurate control.
- Maintained ramp authorization, including HAZMAT training and Jet Bridge operation.
Teaching Assistant
University of Hawaii Ethnic Studies Program
Honolulu, HI
01.1991 - 01.1994
- Assisted Professor Davianna McGregor in delivering Ethnic Studies Hawaiian course content.
- Managed lab and study sessions for enrolled students at UH Manoa.
- Facilitated engaging discussions to deepen understanding of Hawaiian culture and history.
Assistant Instructor
Kamehameha Schools Performing Arts Department
Honolulu, HI
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Assisted in teaching cultural repertoire for travel to South Pacific.
- Coordinated logistics and support for cultural performers.
- Maintained and delivered cultural protocol during performances.
- Supported instruction as hula/oli assistant instructor for Hawaiian ensemble.
Performer
Mountain Apple Company/Brothers Cazimero Show and the Royal Dance Company
Honolulu, HI
01.1990 - 01.1992
- Performed at Brothers Cazimero Show, previously hosted at Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
- Delivered captivating performances at concerts and special engagements in Hawaii and internationally.
- Participated in Hilton Hawaiian Village Poolside Show and torchlighting ceremony.
Education
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus - Class of 1990
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
05-1990
B.A. - focus on language
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Center for Hawaiian Studies
B.Ed. -
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Education
Completion of requirements - status of Kumu Hula
Lei Hulu Hula Studio, Manoa
Skills
- Fluent in Hawaiian and Niihau
- Cultural engagement
- Workshop organization
- Public relations
- Community collaboration
- Cultural sensitivity training
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Narrative development
- Conversationally fluent in Tongan, Samoan, and Tahitian
- Hula, oli, and himeni instruction
- Diplomatic communication skills
- Cultural assessment and practices
- Media relations
- Public speaking
- Diversity awareness
Community Service
- Kulia Na Mamo, Board of Directors, Chairperson and Co-founder, 01/01/01, 01/01/11, Responsible for the leadership and guidance of the outreach and interventions provided by Kulia Na Mamo to the community.
- Iolani Palace, Volunteer Cultural Consultant, 01/01/11, 12/31/18, Provide cultural support to the Friends of Iolani Palace Executive Director and staff.
- Oahu Community Corrections Center (OCCC), Facilitator, 01/01/08, 01/01/10, Facilitated a Hawaiian culture/language program emphasizing confidence and self-esteem building with inmates.
- Ilioulaokalani Coalition, Board of Directors/member, 01/01/05, Present, Member of the board.
- Oahu Island Burial Council, Kona representative and long standing chairperson, 01/01/08, 01/01/21, Responsible for leadership and cultural guidance of Burial Council in matters pertaining to the surfacing and discovery of iwi kupuna.
- Siasi
- Tonga Tauataina/The Free Church of Tonga, Member, 01/01/95, Present, Served as interpreter and church liaison for official church communique.
- Queen Emma Hawaiian Civic Club, Member, 01/01/98, Present, Member of the club.
- UTOPIA Hawaii, Member, 01/01/98, 01/01/02, Polynesian social group emphasizing fellowship and networking.
Languages
Hawaiian
Professional
Tongan
Professional
Samoan
Professional
Tahitian
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Cultural Ambassador and attache to CEO
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
10.2021 - Current
Filmmaker and storyteller
Filmmaker and storyteller
01.2017 - Current
Community Advocate
Office of Hawaiian Affairs
01.2017 - 10.2021
Instructor
Oahu Community Correctional Center and Halawa Correctional Facility
01.2016 - 06.2021
Caregiver
Ohana
01.2015 - Current
Independent Consultant/Cultural Advisor
Independent Consultant/Cultural Advisor
09.2011 - Current
Consultant/Primary proponent
Consultant/Primary proponent for the Kumu Hina documentary film project and A Place In The Middle film short
01.2011 - Current
Independent consultant/resource
Honua Consulting
01.2008 - Current
Teacher
Halau Lokahi Public Charter School
09.2001 - 11.2014
Community Outreach Worker
Ke Ola Mamo Native Hawaiian Health Care System
01.1998 - 01.2001
Hawaiian Language Extension Education Program Instructor
Leeward Community College
01.1995 - 01.1998
Cultural and educational interpreter and guide
Bishop Museum
01.1995 - 12.1995
Passenger Service and Operations support
Ogden Allied/Polynesian Airlines
01.1993 - 01.1995
Teaching Assistant
University of Hawaii Ethnic Studies Program
01.1991 - 01.1994
Assistant Instructor
Kamehameha Schools Performing Arts Department
01.1990 - 01.1992
Performer
Mountain Apple Company/Brothers Cazimero Show and the Royal Dance Company
01.1990 - 01.1992
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus - Class of 1990
Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
B.A. - focus on language
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Center for Hawaiian Studies
B.Ed. -
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Education
Completion of requirements - status of Kumu Hula
Lei Hulu Hula Studio, Manoa
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