12/17/2025
Hoʻomaikaʻi to the Waimānalo kūpuna who were honored on Saturday during the Pūlama I Nā Kūpuna program at the Makalehua o Waimānalo festival: Moana Akana, Michael Hikalea, Louanna Kaio-Almony, Edwina Noelani Kanoho Mahoe, Leina‘ala Bright, Tusitala Kekaula, Byron Wallwork, Kenneth Dudi Ho, and Nate, Bula, and Chris Hirayasu.
Mahalo to Leinaʻala Bright for her service to Waimānalo Health Center and to the greater Waimānalo community. Katja Reyes-Lenchanko, Kākoʻo Lāʻau Lapaʻau, shared Leinaʻala’s impact on the community: “Leinaʻala is a long-time Waimānalo community member, a Native Hawaiian health practitioner, educator, and for the past ten years, the Director of Cultural Health at Waimānalo Health Center. As a practitioner of lomilomi, lāʻau lapaʻau, and mahi lāʻau lapaʻau, she carries forward the healing traditions of her kumu and kūpuna with deep respect, humility, and skill. Through her leadership, Leinaʻala has woven Native Hawaiian healing practices into the very fabric of our Health Center. She integrated Maʻiola services within primary care, ensuring that our traditions stand with modern medicine to support the whole health of our lāhui.”
Masterfully carved for Leinaʻala and gifted to her by Katja and Mānowai, the ʻauamo was intentionally chosen to honor Leinaʻala’s lifelong service, symbolizing the strength and responsibility of one who carries the weight of others, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and reflecting the many ways she has carried her community with humility and care.
