AHEC Holds Service of Installation for 10 Kahu Pono

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches installed ten people—five men and five women—as Kahu Pono at Kawaiaha‘o Church in Honolulu. Those installed were: Barrett Awai, Andrew Dahlburg, Lehua Galuteria, Ardis Gomes, Naholowa'a Gramberg, Josann Jenks, Timothy Morton, Angelita Rasor, Kuuipolani Wong, and Keola Wong.

Joyclynn Costa, AHEC Luna Ho‘omalu writes, "2026 brings a turn of events for AHEC. January 17th is referred to as a dark period in our history—the illegal overthrow. Earlier Rufus Anderson, in 1863, chastised the sons of the missionaries for its lack of leadership and vision toward the mission. In 42 years these men only ordained four native pastors. The Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches (AHEC) through their Committee on Ministry will install 10 Kahu Pono on behalf of Kawaiaha'o Church on January 17, 2026. This exciting event brings healing and forward motion for our churches, people, and self-governance. We will also be installing three more kahu in February on Hawai'i Island, in Kona [see below]. How great is our God! AHEC's theme for 2026 is 'The Best Is Yet To Come.'"

"I could not be prouder as Luna Ho‘omalu for the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches than on January 17, 2026. Kawaiaha‘o Church not only installed ten Kahu Pono but was led by Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne, a descendant of the first four Ordained Native Pastors in Hawai‘i. He was also joined with his mother Kahu Vi ["Violet"] Makuakāne.  We honored the four and lifted up the ten to take their place in discipleship. Aloha Ke Akua."

—Joyclynn Costa

Photos by Joyclynn Costa, Christine Nu‘uhiwa, David Popham, Kristen Young

AHEC's upcoming Services of Installation:

• Service of Installation for John Leong as Kahu Pono on Friday, February 20, at 5:00 p.m., at Kona Lanakila Church. Clergy are invited to stole and process (optional). Dinner will immediately follow the service. RSVP to Kerisa Carmelo at kerisainkona@aol.com.

• Service of Ordination and Installation for Melveen Kaupiko as Pastor and Teacher of Hau'oli Kamana'o Church, on Saturday, February 21, at 9:30 a.m. at the church. Clergy are invited to stole and process (optional). Lunch will immediately follow the service.

• Service of Installation for Rosalind Ioane as Kahu Pono on Saturday, February 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Hau'oli Kamana'o Church. Clergy are invited to stole and process (optional). Lunch will immediately follow the service.