The Keomailani Hanapi Foundation (KHF) was established in August of 1998 and received their federal 501(c)3 tax exempt status in January, 2001.  KHF’s mission is “to increase the number, accessibility, and visibility to native Hawaiian art and artists.”  KHF has an all-volunteer Board of Directors.  Four are native Hawaiian and one is non-Hawaiian.  KHF is home based in Waimea, Hawai’i in the rural South Kohala district of North Hawai’i.

The KHF Board of Directors wants to acknowledge the passing of three Kupuna who taught and inspired many generations of Hawaiians.  Winona Beamer, John Lake and Mary Louise Kekuewa have been cornerstones in the Hawaiian community and have contributed greatly to the advancement of Hawaiian culture and arts.  Aunty Nona has been a Board of Director and Cultural advisor to the Keomailani Hanapi Foundation for eight years.  Kumu John Lake has graciously offered his wisdom and blessings at KHF events always sharing and illuminating us with his kind spirit. Aunty Mary Lou, master feather artist, has participated in many KHF events and graced us with her knowledge, skills, and aloha.

We will miss their presence among us and will continue their message of aloha and observe the many ways they have enriched our lives. We dedicate our next three years of the Native Hawaiian Pilot Art Education Project to their memory.

Me ke aloha pumehana,

The Keomailani Hanapi Foundation
Board of Directors