One Mission. Many Voices. A Shared Kuleana.
KAHĀ's leadership reflects the spirit of laulima, working together with shared purpose and responsibility. By combining cultural wisdom, professional expertise, and community service, our leaders are building an enduring organization where ʻike Hawaiʻi is protected, shared, and carried forward.
Kumu Kuʻualohanui Kauliʻa
Founder
Born in ʻEwa and raised on Hawaiian Homestead lands in Nānākuli, Kumu Kuʻualohanui Kauliʻa has dedicated his life to preserving and perpetuating ʻike Hawaiʻi. Fluent in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi from childhood and deeply rooted in hula, oli, and hoʻoponopono, he draws on ancestral wisdom and the teachings of revered kumu to guide KAHĀ's cultural mission. His leadership is grounded in aloha, kuleana, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening the lāhui.
Kumu Kanani Cadaoas
Chief of Programs, Continent
A dedicated kumu hula and cultural educator, Kumu Kanani Cadaoas brings decades of experience in Hawaiian cultural instruction, performance, and mentorship. Guided by the teachings of esteemed kumu, she works to preserve hula traditions and strengthen cultural identity among Hawaiian communities across the continent. Her leadership emphasizes lineage, discipline, and the responsibility to share ʻike with future generations.
Carole Puanani Ching
Chief of Operations
With roots in Oʻahu and Northern California, Carole Puanani Ching brings decades of nonprofit leadership and community service to KAHĀ. Based in Sacramento since 1988, she served as the founding Director of My Sister's House, supporting Asian and Pacific Islander women and children affected by domestic violence. Her experience in nonprofit development, community advocacy, and organizational leadership helps strengthen KAHĀ's operations and community relationships.
Kumu Kalani Kaawa Flores-Hatt
Chief of Programs, Hawaiʻi
A proud kupa of Nānākuli, Waiʻanae, Kumu Kalani “Boboy” Kaawa Flores-Hatt is a respected kumu hula, professor, and cultural practitioner. His work bridges Hawaiian language, place-based education, and community leadership, fostering cultural identity and aloha ʻāina. Through teaching and mentorship, he empowers future generations to carry ʻike Hawaiʻi forward.
Fox Pomaikaʻi Garcia-Deatry
Chief of Marketing & Philanthropy
Fox Pomaikaʻi Garcia-Deatry is a nonprofit executive, storyteller, and philanthropic strategist with more than 20 years of experience leading communications, fundraising, partnerships, and organizational growth.
His career spans mission-driven organizations, including Outright International, Movember Foundation, The Children's Inn at NIH, Miracle Flights, and Sea Shepherd, where he has helped elevate important causes, build strategic partnerships, and connect communities through powerful storytelling.
At KAHĀ, Fox leads marketing, communications, philanthropic strategy, and external engagement, strengthening the organization's visibility, fundraising capacity, and relationships across Hawaiʻi and the continent. His leadership brings together cultural storytelling, organizational sustainability, and a commitment to connecting the Hawaiian diaspora with its heritage.
Kumu Makana Garma
Chief Cultural Officer
Kumu Makana Garma brings decades of experience in education, facilitation, cultural stewardship, and project leadership. As a senior project leader supporting Kanaeokana and Kamehameha Schools, Makana has helped advance culturally grounded education and collaborative initiatives. Guided by akahai, lōkahi, ʻoluʻolu, haʻahaʻa, and ahonui, Makana helps ensure cultural integrity remains central to KAHĀ's programs and organizational decisions.
Kumu Keahi Kim
Chief Financial Officer
With a professional background in accounting and corporate financial leadership, Kumu Keahi Kim oversees KAHĀ's financial stewardship and fiscal accountability. His expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, and governance helps ensure that organizational resources are responsibly managed to sustain cultural education, community programs, and long-term growth.