Pūko‘a Council

When: 29 June 2009

Who: Kānaka Maoli within the University of Hawai‘i System

What: The Pūko‘a Council is dedicated to increasing the number of Native Hawaiian students, faculty, staff, and administrators in the university system to 23%, which mirrors the percentage of Hawaiians in Hawai‘i’s general population. We, the Kānaka Maoli within the University of Hawai‘i system, are the Native people of this land, unique by virtue of our ancestral ties to the ‘āina, our history, language, culture, knowledge and spirituality. The Pūko‘a Council envisions a University of Hawai‘i that is committed to the empowerment, advancement and self-determination of Kānaka Maoli, through distinctly Hawaiian instruction, research, and service. Therefore, Pūko‘a promotes the superior development of all aspects of Kānaka Maoli identity, including a pono spiritual, intellectual, cultural, economic, and social well-being.

Where: The Pūko‘a Council is comprised of representatives from each of the councils of each campus in the University system.

Hanakahi Council - UH Hilo

Ho‘olulu Council - Hawai‘i Community College

Kahikoluamea Council - Kapi‘olani Community College

Ke Kumupali Council - Windward Community College

Kūali‘i Council - UH Mānoa

Kupu Ka Wai Council - Honolulu Community College

Lau‘ulu Council - Maui Community College

Makaloa Council - Kaua‘i Community College

Pūko‘a no Nā ‘Ewa - Leeward Community College

Nālimakui Council - UH West O‘ahu

Why: We, the Kānaka Maoli, the Native people of Hawai‘i, are unique by virtue of our ancestral ties to the ‘āina, our history, language, culture, knowledge and spirituality. The Pūko‘a Council, representing Kānaka Maoli within the University of Hawai‘i system, envisions University of Hawai‘i committed to the empowerment, advancement and self-determination of Kānaka Maoli, through distinctly Hawaiian instruction, research and service. Therefore, Pūko‘a Council promotes the superior development of all aspects of Kānaka Maoli identity, including a pono spiritual, intellectual, cultural, economic and social well-being...

• Provide advice and information to the President of the University on issues that have particular relevance for Native Hawaiians and for Native Hawaiian culture, language, and history.

• Work with the system and campus administration to position the University as one of the world’s foremost indigenous-serving universities.

• Promote the access and success of Native Hawaiian students in undergraduate, graduate and professional programs, and the increase in representation of Native Hawaiians in all facets of the University.

• Encourage and facilitate Native Hawaiian excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, publication, and service in all academic disciplines.

• Advocate for fairness and equity in all decisions and resource allocations related to Native Hawaiian programs and services.

Outcome: The Mission of Pūko‘a Council is to:

• Increase the number of Native Hawaiian students, faculty, staff and administration in the university system to 23%, which mirrors the percentage of Hawaiians in Hawai‘i’s general population.

• Promote a high standard of excellence in the study of Hawaiian language and culture.

• Advocate for parity for Native Hawaiians and Native Hawaiian serving programs

• Insure integrity in the use of funds designated for Native Hawaiians.

• Assist the university in leveraging appropriate funding for Native Hawaiian programs.

• Increase collaboration and partnerships between the University of Hawai‘i campuses.

• Create a Pu‘uhonua, a Native Hawaiian educational sanctuary, which enriches the community through Hawaiian cultural values.

Sources: See for more information.

https://www.hawaii.edu/pukoa/Mission.html