By Dani Douglass
We all know people who roll with the punches seamlessly. For Shidler College accounting instructor, Manu Ka‘iama, that sentiment stands true. Life presented her a challenge–in this case, it was her federal funding, which limited the work she could do for Shidler. And with uncertainty looming over what funding will look like in the future; she’s pivoted her path. These days, she pours her talents, knowledge and passion into all things Native Hawaiian with class offerings for Shidler’s faculty and staff.
“She has used her expertise in accounting, Hawaiian culture and education to secure external support that has uplifted Native Hawaiian students, faculty and communities, directly impacting those most in need of education and opportunity,” Director of the School of Accountancy Hamid Pourjalali, said. “Without doubt, Manu enriches our professional and academic gatherings by initiating educational programs in Hawaiian language and culture and by performing blessings known as oli to honor people and events, which strengthens our sense of community at the Hawaii Accounting Research Conference and The Hawaii Accounting Research Doctoral Institute. We are truly fortunate to have her as a colleague and mentor.”
Manu Ka‘iama
Ka‘iama is a long-time Shidler employee, she joined the college in 1991 as a full-time instructor in the School of Accountancy. Over the past four decades, her teaching excellence and community service have been recognized through numerous awards at the university, college and school levels. It was earlier this year that she began her Native Hawaiian courses and they were instantly popular amongst her colleagues.
“Manu is a wonderful resource for the college as far as her knowledge and all things Hawai‘i are concerned,” Director of MBA Admissions Marc Endrigat, said. “I really enjoyed the first session I attended as it was interactive, engaging and fun and I am looking forward to the upcoming ones.”
Her new classes have been filled to capacity, and each one covers a different topic, such as ‘olelo Hawai‘i (language), customs and Hawaiian history. The content is designed to foster a deeper appreciation and respect for Native Hawaiian culture and people. Each class consists of a lesson, discussion and time for questions. Her expertise is recognized amongst her colleagues and attendees find the sessions useful and interesting. She plans to continue the classes monthly with new content and offers a repeat session bimonthly for those who may have missed the first one.
“Manu’s work to share knowledge of Native Hawaiian topics to our faculty and staff is incredibly inspiring and supports the university’s initiatives for a Native Hawaiian place of learning,” Shidler Dean Vance Roly, said. “I think it’s wonderful that our faculty and staff have the opportunity to obtain knowledge and perspectives about the place we work and live.”
Ka‘iama says that she stepped into this role at Shidler because someone needed to lead it. Her past Hawaiian work–which was supported by federal funding–supported Native Hawaiians and helped Shidler address accreditation requirements tied to its mission. While she was teaching full-time, she pursued Hawaiian-focused research and outreach. Across the University of Hawai‘i, Native Hawaiian issues gained a broader reach and ignited discussion with the formation of the Kuali‘i and Pukoa Councils. The new classes she’s launched at Shidler align with the university’s 2024 strategic plan.
“I am working to ensure that UH supports the success of Kanaka Maoli in learning, teaching, service and research across our campuses and nurtures Kanaka Maoli as leaders,” she said. “I am honored to be able to create opportunities for Shidler’s faculty and staff to inform their work by learning about Hawaiian language, culture, knowledge, and the present impacts of Hawai‘i’s past history.”
Ka‘iama has a simple sentiment that she hopes her Shidler comrades take with them after they leave her class. “I hope they learn and appreciate more about living here in Hawai‘i, and I really am hoping that it may kind of encourage them to do their own research; or to read some books or to learn more if they can, and then maybe to incorporate elements into their own roles here,” she shared.
