In modern-day voyaging traditions re-ignited by master navigator, Pius Mau Pialug, the Hawaiian star compass serves as the foundation. Without the use of any instruments or tools, a wayfinder can orient themselves and their crew to the rising and setting points of stars — so that even on cloudy nights when the sky is partially obscured, a navigator knows where they are headed and how to get home.
Precisely the kind of attributes we want and need in a leader for Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy.
How fitting then, that HPA’s star compass, Pānānā o Kainoa — named in honor of longtime and beloved employee, Uncle Francis Kainoa Lee, a crewmember onboard Hōkūleʻa’s inaugural voyage to Tahiti in 1976 — was chosen as the location for a special ceremony in honor of Fred Wawner’s selection as the 13th Head of School for Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy.
It’s even more fitting given the mentor and dear friend Uncle Francis was to Wawner from his first days on campus — a soft-spoken but reliable guide, who could always be counted on to instill confidence and offer wisdom if asked, in order to steer him in the right direction.
Wawner has often shared how Uncle Francis was instrumental to the HPA boys basketball program’s decision to incorporate the iconic red and white palaka print into their team uniform. Wawner explained that he wanted his basketball program to have an identity and he had learned the story of the palaka print and how it represented the rich and diverse cultures that make up Hawaiʻi’s working communities — communities that succeed because of the cooperation and care they show one another. Wawner came to understand that the palaka print demonstrated integrity, so he asked Uncle Francis if it would be appropriate for his boys to start wearing palaka to their games.
“Uncle Francis was a quiet guy, but his words were powerful. He said, ‘You wear that palaka,” Wawner recalled with a smile during his 2021 Commencement address. “Palaka print represents who we are. When we show up, folks know we represent a certain way — one that embodies unified toughness, care for each other, and an interwoven blend of pride and humility.”
As the sun shone brightly overhead, more than 100 people gathered — many of them wearing their palaka — to witness the first-ever ʻAha Hoʻonoho in HPA’s history. An ʻaha is a ceremony or ritual. In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) hoʻonoho means “to establish, to place rightly, to set in order.”
“This ʻAha Hoʻonoho signifies our commitment to our Head of School, as he is a choice of the entire school community,” explained Kumu Kūwalu Anakalea, Hawaiian Studies instructor for the Village Campus, who conducted the ʻaha along with Kumu Pualani Lincoln Maielua ʻ01, Hawaiian Studies instructor for the Upper School.
“With faith and a strong support system, we acknowledge Fred Wawner as our leader and comrade who, with grace, humility, and aloha, we trust to take us to the next level of our potential,” Anakalea said.
Within a star compass, the four cardinal directions each have Hawaiian names. Wawner and his family were intentionally situated in the east or hikina, which means “arriving,” or where the sun and stars “arrive” at the horizon. This symbolism was intended to signal a shift in school leadership under Wawner’s direction.
“This date and time were selected in honor of the alignment of the equinox and kau ka lā ka lolo — when the sun is at the equator and directly above — two very powerful moments that represent balance and enlightenment,” explained Lincoln Maielua. “Each aspect of the ceremony was chosen to recognize and rightfully establish Fred as our new Head of School. This was an opportunity for the HPA ʻohana to come together, stand amongst the elements, and share this special space in a way that unites us all in solidarity with his leadership.”
As the crowd of current and former HPA employees, along with several members of the Board of Trustees looked on, Wawner was presented with traditional Hawaiian food and ʻawa — customary practice, especially in ceremonies in which a title is bestowed. Several hula in honor of the area were also performed by Hālau WaikāUnu, including Hole Waimea, the mele that has been sung at HPA for decades.
One by one, each of Wawner’s daughters — Ali ‘23, Fischer ‘25, and Rosey ‘27 — stepped forward to water an ʻōhiʻa tree that Fred, Dina, and the girls had planted earlier that morning. The meaningful gesture was more than just their gift to the school; but was also symbolic of their commitment to HPA and Waimea as they literally, and figuratively, put roots down in the community.
“The reciprocal relationship of the soil and the ʻōhiʻa tree is an important metaphor for me to point out. In so many ways, you all have been the soil that has nurtured and protected us, and allowed us to grow roots. Similar to the ʻōhiʻa tree, we hope to give back to the soil in order for others to thrive,” Wawner told those who had gathered on the Waimea hillside.
Your palaka shirt — you not only wear it, you live it, and that makes me proud.”
Six individuals were asked to speak on Wawner’s behalf: Kaky Hanano Purdy ’81, Assistant to the Head of School; Mike Hanano, Assistant Director of Facilities; Daena Craven, faculty development coach; Patrick O’Leary, Upper School residential faculty member; Cathy Grant, former Lower School principal; and Dina Strittmatter, Wawner’s wife of 20 years.
Through tears and spurts of laughter, each of them expressed their support for Wawner’s appointment to Head of School and shared stories about his leadership.
“Mahalo for your courage,” Purdy said. “You stepped up to lead when we needed you most.”
O’Leary echoed her sentiments. “You’re not afraid to do the difficult, valuable work that we all do. We’ve been through a lot, and we’ve always trusted you, and respected you. You’re the right person.”
Craven added, “You are what makes HPA an ʻohana. We are all so cared for here because of you.”
“The great opportunity HPA has in your leadership, Fred, are the connections you have intentionally made since your arrival here way back in 2009 and with the Waimea and broader Hawai’i Island community — community coaching and clinics for young children, advocating for faculty and staff at HPA to have experiences outside of the classroom to learn, to serve, and to absorb the uniqueness of this place. These may seem like small actions to some, but it’s the way to become a genuine part of a community outside the safety of the school,” Grant said. “School’s flourish when the culture is right, is pono. I know you’ll strive not just to be a great leader, but an exemplary, excellent leader.”
In a nod to Wawner’s story about Uncle Francis and palaka, Hanano was met with applause from the crowd when he said, “Your palaka shirt — you not only wear it, you live it, and that makes me proud.”
Wawner’s wife, Dina shared her appreciation for all of the HPA community — describing how she and Fred had arrived in 2009 with four kids and seven bags, thousands of miles from the nearest family member, but never felt alone. “I am grateful for the space and encouragement to raise our kids with yours,” she said. “This is the exact time for Fred. The time is now, and you’re the right people.”
Addressing the crowd, Wawner spoke about the powerful, and humbling nature of the ceremony and his new position. He thanked the Board for believing in him, before turning to those who were gathered on the hillside and exclaiming, “You’re my people!” and reiterated his dedication to the HPA community and mission.
In closing, Wawner acknowledged Uncle Francis and the special spot on campus in his honor.
“His compass will continuously set our direction as we work together,” Wawner said. “This is the beginning of our journey, and we’re going to be doing this for a long, long time.”
As if on cue, as soon as the last person gifted Wawner with lei — piled so high, he looked more like an HPA graduate — the skies opened, and a downpour fell over the star compass. Those who knew and loved Uncle Francis, broke out in huge smiles, knowing it was another stamp of approval for a job well done and a blessing to move forward.
