Faculty
Faculty Members
Keith Kalanikau Awai
Kumu Hula
Kumu Hula Kalanikau Awai, master Hula Dance Instructor, was born in Honolulu and raised in Haleiwa (North Shore of O’ahu), Hawai’i. Keith attended Kamehameha Schools and the Church College of Hawai’i, now Brigham Young University – Hawai’i campus. While at Kamehameha, Keith first studied hula under the late Aunty Nona Beamer and afterward with the late Aunty Sally Moanikeala Wood Nalua’i, the first kumu hula of the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) since its opening in October 1963. Kumu Keith retired from PCC in 2016 after 43 years of service.
James “Kimo” Luluhiwalani Awai III
Kuma Hula
Kumu Hula James “Kimo” Luluhiwalani Awai III, master Hula Dance Instructor and Cultural Advisor, was born in Honolulu, Hawai’i and spent his early youth in Kona, Hawai’i island and Haleiwa, O’ahu. Kimo attended Lahainaluna High School and the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. After high school, he lived in Honolulu before moving to the Big Island of Hawai’i where he remains a resident.
While in Hilo, he studied the Hawaiian language and the art of hula under the late Aunty Nona Beamer and with major influence from Aunty Pualani “Pua” Kanaka’ole Kanahele, a highly respected cultural practitioner, kumu hula, historian and teacher of Hawaiian traditions. As kumu hula of Hula Hālau Na Po’e Ao Hiwa (“bearers of the sacred light”), Kumu Kimo also serves as Kupuna at Keaukaha Elementary School which includes Ka ‘Umeke Kā’eo, a Hawaiian Language Charter School. He leads a full life also as a cosmetologist and licensed Buddhist minister in Hilo.
Kumu Kimo continues to share his Hawaiian cultural knowledge with the Big Island community as a spiritual leader and through lectures and workshops under programs such as Nā Pua No’eau at the University of Hawai’i – Hilo campus.
Pōmaika’i Krueger
Kuma Hula
Born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi Krueger has ʻūniki or earned the status of kumu hula under Maui Kumu Uluwehi Guerrero. He has studied hula for many years with Kumu Uluwehi however, his life has also lead him to dance and study with Maui Kumu Iola Balubar, and Oʻahu Kumu Sonny Ching as well as Kumu Keith Awai. Hula is a family affair for Pōmaikaʻi, who is a great-grandson of the late Kumu Lena Guerrero.
Pōmaikaʻi graduated in 2004 from Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Maui, and completed a Bachelor’s
in Hawaiian Studies at Brigham Young University – Hawai’i in 2010 after serving a two year Latter-day Saint mission in Tokyo, Japan. He has recently received the privilege of the title of Kumu Hula after completing the ʻūniki rite of passage in 2014.
Currently, Kumu Pōmaikaʻi is the Kumu Hula at the Polynesian Cultural Center and works as the Hawaiian Cultural Performance Specialist. Prior to working at PCC, he was a high school teacher teaching Hawaiian language and hula at Lahainaluna High School on Maui. He teaches in the old style – nānā ka maka, hoʻolohe ka pepeiao, paʻa ka waha, hana ka lima: eyes observe, ears obey, mouth shut, hands work. Kumu Pōmaikaʻi also strives to teach the values of his kūpuna: ka ʻoiaʻiʻo – honesty, ke kuoʻo -seriousness, ke kōkua – service, ke aloha – love.
Teaching and Administrative Staff
Clarissa Noelani Sonoda
Alaka’i
Noelani was born in Washington, DC and began her Hawaiian studies with Hālau O ‘Aulani since its inception and through numerous added cultural summer activities in Hawai‘i. A graduate of the University of Maryland and George Mason University, she currently teaches Health and Physical Education at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, VA.
Evan Ikaika Sonoda
Alaka’i
Born in Honolulu, Hawai’i, Ikaika began his Hawaiian studies with Hālau O ʻAulani in 1996 when the school first opened its doors. A graduate of George Mason University, he now teaches Health and Physical Education at the George Washington Middle School. He resides in Alexandria, VA.
Jeannie Vieve Polinahe Andres-Waltrip
Alaka’i
Poli began her Hawaiian studies in 1992 and joined Hālau O ‘Aulani in the spring of 2009. She is a freelance graphic designer and makeup artist, and she has worked on Celebrity Cruises during their Hawaiian Enrichment Series. Poli has a son, also enrolled at Hālau O ‘Aulani, and currently resides in Maryland.
Jonalyne Hepualaha’ole Walker
Alaka‘i
Hepua began her Hawaiian studies in 1993 and joined Hālau O ‘Aulani in the spring of 2009. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). In addition to Polynesian dance and sharing the culture, Jonalyne enjoys her job in human resources, volunteering to support those who have and are battling with cancer, and spending time with great company. She currently resides in Baltimore, MD.
Wendell Yee
Ukulele Instructor
Wendell was born in Honolulu, Oahu, growing up in the Kapahulu and Kaimuki neighborhoods of the county. He is a graduate of Kalani High School, the University of Hawaii and Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He came to Halau O Aulani in 2003 as a supportive parent of his daughter, Alyson, and thereafter has participated as a musician for the halau. He resides with his wife, Anne Lange, in Arlington, VA.
Shirley Queja
Secretary and Acting Principal
From Wahiawa, O’ahu. Personal/Appointments Secretary to U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga (D-HI), 1978-1990; Executive Assistant to U.S. Rep. Robert T. Matsui (D-CA, 5th), 1990-2005, and U.S. Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 5th), 2005. Retired after 27 years service.
Michelle Ashton
Acting Vice Principal
Michelle was raised on O‘ahu before moving to the mainland at age 10. With a Paralegal Certification and nearly 18 years at the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, she now serves as Assistant Director in Victim Witness. Proud of her Hawaiian heritage, she fosters cultural education through her daughters, Alicia and Aria, who are both students with Halau O ‘Aulani.
Jo Ann Ke’onalele Perticone
Administrative Assistant
Jo Ann Ke’onalele Perticone is the Assistant Director of Executive Education at a world-renowned research institution, where she supports adult learners and working professionals. With over 20 years of experience in finance and administrative support, she brings a strong foundation in operations, organization, and program management to delivering high-quality executive education experiences.
Her hula journey began at Halau O ‘Aulani, where she developed a deep passion for hula and Hawaiian culture. Outside of her professional life, Jo enjoys roller skating, crafting, and crocheting. She lives in northern Maryland with her husband and two rescue dogs.
Alicia Leialoha Ashton
Administrative Assistant
Alicia Leialoha Ashton is an Administrative Assistant at Halau O ‘Aulani, where she supports the day-to-day operations of the school and its cultural programs. She and her family are active members of the halau, sharing a deep love for hula and Hawaiian traditions. Alicia lives in Virginia and brings warmth, organization, and community spirit to everything she does.
Special Instructors
David Tiave
Special Instructor
Of Samoan and Irish descent, David is special instructor specializing in the Samoan culture. He was born and raised in Honolulu, O’ahu, where he attended Farrington High School and later Brigham Young University-Hawai’i Campus in Lā’ie. In 1985, he began work at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lā’ie as a performer and member of the PCC Promotional Team performing all over the mainland and abroad. David is currently the Cultural Manager in the Theatre Department of the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Catherine Teriipaia
Special Instructor
Catherine was born on the beautiful main island of Papeete, Tahiti, but was raised in Hau’ula, O’ahu, Hawai’i. She works at the Polynesian Cultural Center where she has been since her youth and has danced all over the world sharing and promoting the songs and dances of Polynesia in general. She continues to perpetuate her Tahitian culture with various Hālau in Hawai’i. Catherine also participates in different Tahitian festivals or Heivas both in Hawai’i and on the mainland.
Jerusha Nanea Puanani Wallace Magalei
Special Instructor
Of Hawaiian, Maori (Ngai Tuhoe, Te Arawa, and Ngati Awa), Samoan, Tahitian, Tongan, Chinese, and Caucasian decent, Jerusha comes to us to share the Maori culture. Jerusha is originally from La’ie, Hawai’i and now lives in Hau’ula, Hawai’i.
Jerusha graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Pacific Island Studies from Brigham Young University-Hawai’i Campus and is currently a Doctoral candidate at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Jerusha is a state licensed Special Education teacher for elementary and intermediate school students and also a co-teacher at UH-Manoa where she teaches masters and doctoral level students. Further, she earned her Maori Performing Arts Certificate from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Jerusha has shared her cultural talents as a performer at the Polynesian Cultural Center for 10 years, traveled as a member of Te Wananga Maori ki Hawaiki, and assisted hālau and hui prepare for Maori performances. She speaks Hawaiian and Maori, and has been dancing Polynesian dancing for over 30 years.
Dorothy K. Awai
Special Instructor
Aunty Kanani was born on the island of Maui. Number 11 of 12 children, she graduated from the Kamehameha School for Girls where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She has 3 children. Her two sons, Kimo and Keith, are Kumu Hula of their own Hālau in Hawai’i. Her daughter is a busy mother and grandmother.
For more than 25 years, Aunty Kanani has been a Kupuna (elder, source of wisdom) at Haleiwa Elementary School where she shares the Hawaiian Culture with children. She also is a cultural Kupuna at Waimea Valley Park on the island of O’ahu. In addition, Aunty acts as an advisor to various Kupuna and Hawaiian organizations. Aunty Kanani is also a member of a musical trio, Ohana 3, and plays the piano, guitar, ukulele and the upright bass.
Board of Directors
Wendell Yee
Chairman
Background: From Kaimuki, O’ahu. Graduate, Kalani High School; University of Hawai’i; Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. Retired legal journalist, managing editor for BNA, Inc.
E. Kenneth Hong Fong
1st Vice Chair
Research Staff Member – Information Technology and Systems Division, Institute for Defense Analyses, Alexandria, VA.
Background: From Chicago, Illinois. B.A. (Psychology), Northeastern Illinois University; M.S. (Management Services), DePaul University.
Before retiring from Federal service, held various management and technology positions at the U.S. General Services Administration, U.S. Veterans Administration, and U.S. Department of Defense.
Rebecca Lehr
2nd Vice Chair
Teacher – Visual Arts in Spanish, Francis Scott Key Elementary School, Arlington, VA
Background: Born in Washington D.C. and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; Masters in Spanish, University of Salamanca, Spain.
Shirley Queja
Secretary & Acting Principal
Background: From Wahiawa, O’ahu. Personal/Appointments Secretary to U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga (D-HI), 1978-1990; Executive Assistant to U.S. Rep. Robert T. Matsui (D-CA, 5th), 1990-2005, and U.S. Rep. Doris O. Matsui (D-CA, 5th), 2005. Retired after 27 years service.
Tam Fiely
Treasurer
William Ernestburg
Director
Background: From Laie, Oahu. Graduate of Kahuku High School; 30 years service in the U.S. Coast Guard (retired 2016), where he served in NJ, FL, NC, and DC; Member of the Hawaii State Society and the ‘Ukulele Hui’; Volunteer at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington D.C.
Lyle Spain
Director
Cory Otsuji
Director
Chad Otsuji
Director
Dale Lippman
Director
Dale Lippman recently retired as the Manager of Government Affairs for Delta Air Lines. She began her airline industry career with Northwest Airlines in 1996. Prior to joining Northwest, Dale had 15 years of legislative and leadership experience in both the House and Senate, working under U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI).
Melanie Brown
Director
Melanie Brown is an International Patent Coordinator at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA. She grew up in Fairfax, Virginia, and holds a B.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Tech and an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Columbia University. Currently, she resides in Arlington, VA, and her daughter is in the keiki class.
Edwin T.C. Ing
Chairman Emeritus
Washington, D.C. attorney
Background: From Pu’unui, O’ahu. Tax Law Specialist, Internal Revenue Service, 1975-1977. Legislative Counsel to U.S. Senator Spark Matsunaga (D-HI), 1977-1983.
Glen Hirabayashi
Chairman Emeritus
Attorney Advisor, U.S. Tax Court, Washington, D.C.
Background: From Waimea, Kauai. West Point Academy graduate, 1969; Masters in Law, Georgetown Law School. Attorney, Internal Revenue Service national office, 1985-1986.