Kēhaulani Puʻu was named OHA Chief Operating Officer in July 2024. Puʻu is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. She earned a BA from UH Mānoa double majoring in Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language, and a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Puʻu also has a teaching certificate from UH Hilo’s Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education Program. She comes to OHA from the City & County of Honolulu Department of Parks & Recreation where she served as Deputy Director since 2021. Prior to that, Puʻu was with Kamehameha Schools for more than 12 years, serving in various capacities – most recently as Kealakūlia Division director in the schools’ community education division. Puʻu, who is a kupa of Waiʻanae, Oʻahu, has also served as a Hawaiian language instructor at Leeward Community College, a kumu at Kula Kaiapuniʻo Nānākuli, and filled various roles at ʻAha Pūnana Leo, including teacher, curriculum project lead and interim director.
