Living the Legacy:
Engaging with Lā Hoʻihoʻi Ea, Lā Kūʻokoʻa, and the Reclamation of Hawaiian Identity

Jarena Hemakana (Kauhane) Pacarro

Born in Kapahulu and raised in Heʻeia, Oʻahu, Jarena "Hemakana" Pacarro is deeply connected to her Hawaiian roots. As the CEO and owner of Breathe in Aloha, she creates safe, nurturing spaces where individuals can reconnect with their ancestral heritage through the practice of kilo (observation) and personal sovereignty. Hemakana’s work is grounded in the belief that understanding one’s cultural foundation is key to fostering resilience, well-being, and responsibility in our personal lives and communities. A proud graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hemakana earned a degree in Hawaiian Studies – Mālama ʻĀina and a Master’s in Education in Curriculum Design-Aloha ʻĀina Education. With over 30 years of experience in Hawaiʻi’s education, she has designed and implemented professional development programs for educators, administrators, and staff, emphasizing the essential connection between Hawaiian culture and their kuleana (responsibility) to their communities. Hemakana has also led transformative projects, such as a collaboration with behavioral specialists in Maui, which resulted in a mural and twelve mele that express their shared journey of trauma and healing. In addition to her educational work, Hemakana is a facilitator for Hō Mai Ka Pono Hui Hina, Creative Director for Quantum Piko, and works with several organizations, including the Hō Mai Ka Pono Foundation, Manoa Heritage Center, and Maui Behavioral Health Resources.
Hemakana’s dedication to Hawaiian history and culture is also reflected in her scholarly research. She has traveled to the British National Archives and Windsor Archives to study primary source documents about the Hawaiian Kingdom, gaining valuable insights that have enriched her educational approach and deepened her community’s connection to Hawaiian royal history. Hemakana’s cultural knowledge extends across multiple areas, including hula, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), mahiʻai kalo (taro farming), loko iʻa (fishponds), and kilo i ka lani (astronomical observation). Through her roles at Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu Community College, Queen Liliʻuokalani Children's Center and Breathe in Aloha, Hemakana has profoundly impacted communities across Ko Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina and beyond. Deeply grateful to the kumu (teachers) and kupuna (elders) who have paved the way for her work, she remains steadfast in her commitment to ensuring that these practices continue to flourish for future generations. Guided by the belief in the power of aloha, Hemakana lives by Dr. Manulani Meyer’s mantra: “Aloha is the primal source of our collective emergence,” embodying it in both her professional and personal life.

Mission Statement:
"My mission is to cultivate well-being and personal sovereignty by embracing the wisdom of Hawaiian culture, honoring its traditions, and empowering others to connect with their ancestral roots. Through self-growth and continuous learning, I strive to uplift and inspire individuals to live with purpose, resilience, and aloha, while fostering a deep respect for the environment, community, and our shared cultural legacy. I am committed to creating space for personal transformation, collective healing, and the reclamation of cultural pride as we all 'level up' in our journey toward a balanced, fulfilled life."

Mark Kahalekuiinaihe Pacarro ("Papa Mark")

​Mark Kahalekuiinaihe Pacarro, affectionately known as "Papa Mark," is a dedicated educator, coach, and community leader from Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. Born in May 1964, Mark has spent over 30 years impacting the lives of students, athletes, and the broader community with a deep commitment to preserving and sharing Hawaiian culture. His work as a Hawaiian language teacher, basketball coach, and environmental educator has earned him widespread respect as both a teacher and a mentor. Mark's career spans his time as an educator at Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, where he taught Hawaiian Language, Social Studies, and Malama ʻĀina (Environmental Stewardship) to high school and middle school students. With over 25 years of experience in Hawaiian language instruction, he played a pivotal role in preserving the language and passing on the cultural traditions of Hawaiʻi to future generations. As a basketball coach for over 40 years, Mark earned the prestigious Coach of the Year award in 1999. His leadership both on and off the court, emphasized teamwork, discipline, and integrity, instilling important life values in his athletes. Mark also earned a Master’s in Curriculum Design with a focus on Aloha ʻĀina Education from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, and he continues coaching golf, guiding young athletes in both technical skills and life lessons. Mark’s passion for Hawaiian history and culture extends beyond the classroom. He has traveled to the British National Archives and Windsor Archives to study primary source documents related to the Hawaiian Kingdom, gaining valuable insights into diplomatic relationships between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the British Empire. This research has enriched his teaching, allowing him to share first-hand historical knowledge with his students. Outside of his professional work, Mark is a fisherman, kalo (taro) farmer, grandfather, and golfer. He is deeply connected to the land and passionate about sustainable farming practices. As a kalo farmer, Mark works to preserve the agricultural traditions of Hawaii, particularly the cultivation of taro, which holds deep cultural significance. He loves sharing the joy of growing food with youth, teaching them about sustainability and self-sufficiency. An avid cook, Mark enjoys preparing meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His cooking goes beyond nourishment; it’s an opportunity to pass on the cultural traditions associated with Hawaiian cuisine. Whether teaching students how to grow food, coaching young athletes, or preparing a meal, Mark’s legacy is one of deep respect for Aloha ʻĀina, the land, and his community. Mark's impact continues to resonate through the generations, as he has left an indelible mark on the lives of those he has mentored, both in the classroom and beyond.

Mission Statement:
"I am committed to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Hawaiian culture through education, mentorship, and sustainable practices. With a focus on Hawaiian language, history, environmental stewardship (Aloha ʻĀina), and youth development, my mission is to empower the next generation to connect deeply with their cultural roots, value the land, and live with purpose. Through teaching, farming, coaching, and community engagement, I aim to inspire personal growth, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to both cultural heritage and sustainability.”