James Park

As a dedicated student at Kamehameha Schools, I actively engage in both cultural and athletic pursuits, taking on increasing responsibility through meaningful, hands-on experiences. In Kula Manu, our school's Hawaiian featherwork club, I've contributed to the creation of a traditional 'ahu'ula, commonly known as a Hawaiian feather cape, while supporting progress tracking and organizational efforts. As captain of the varsity bowling team, I've developed strong leadership and mentoring skills by guiding teammates and coordinating practices. These roles have strengthened my attention to detail, collaboration, and project management abilities, all while maintaining consistent academic excellence. Together, these experiences reflect my deep commitment to cultural preservation, personal growth, and disciplined leadership.

• Academic Honor Roll, Kamehameha Schools: Awarded for maintaining high academic performance for 8 consecutive semesters, 05/01/25
• Hawaiian Language Proficiency Award Kamehameha Schools: Completed Hawaiian 4 course, demonstrating advanced skills in 'Ōlelo Hawai'i, 05/01/25
• Captain, KSK Varsity Bowling Team, Kamehameha Schools: Led team practices and mentored new members; helped the team reach three consecutive ILH Championships and qualified for the HHSAA State Tournament as well, 05/01/25
• Contributed to Creation of Traditional Hawaiian 'Ahu'ula, Kula Manu Club: Collaborated with peers on a culturally significant feather cape project preserving Hawaiian heritage, 05/01/25
• Bowling Clinic Participant: Workshop with Dr. Dean Hinitz, Focused on the mental aspects of competitive bowling, including concentration, focus, and performance mindset, 05/01/24
• OJBT Bowling Tournament Winner, OJBT: Secured first place among competitive bowlers, demonstrating skill and composure under pressure, 05/01/24

• Bowling and competitive sports
• Hawaiian cultural practices
• Lei Making
• Working in lo'i kalo (taro patches) and loko i'a (fishponds)
• Astronomy and stargazing
• Fishing and other ocean activities
• Cooking and experimenting with local ingredients
• Hiking and staying active in nature

Bowling 

• Captain of KSK Varsity Bowling Team
• 1x OJBT Title (2024)
• 3x ILH Champion (2022, 2023, 2024)
• 1x HHSAA Qualifier (2024)
• 1x LJBC Bowler of The Year (2024)
• 1x Junior Gold Qualifier (2025)

• Environmental Science

I wish to major in Environmental Science in hopes of strengthening our lāhui through scientific processes that preserve, benefit, and empower the ever-changing environmental state of the Hawaiian Islands. Growing up here has shown me both the beauty of our environment and the challenges that threaten it. Protecting Hawaiʻi’s resources is not only a scientific pursuit, but also a kuleana—a responsibility—to care for the land and waters that sustain us.
One of my biggest career goals is to find an efficient solution to the pollution crisis of the Ala Wai Canal in Waikīkī. This issue represents both an environmental and community concern, and I believe that by combining modern scientific research with traditional Hawaiian practices, meaningful solutions can be found. Through Environmental Science, I hope to create sustainable strategies that will restore balance to our ecosystems and ensure a thriving future for the nature of Hawaiʻi.

• Architecture

Another path that I am considering is an education in Architecture. Growing up in area where so many different era's of infrastructural design are displayed mere blocks from eachother has shown me how deeply architecture influences not only the environment, but also the identity and well-being of our communities. For me, designing with intention is a kuleana—a responsibility—to create structures that honor the land while serving the people who depend on it.
One of my biggest career goals in Architecture is to develop sustainable, culturally grounded architectural structures that balance modern needs with traditional Hawaiian values of stewardship. By integrating innovative design with respect for our natural resources, I hope to create spaces that foster community, protect the environment, and ensure that future generations have a home and can thrive in harmony with Hawaiʻi’s unique landscapes.