Kauai Communtiy College Hawaiian Studies Faculty and Staff

Aloha mai kākou, my name is Dennis Chun, I was born in Honolulu, moved to Lana’i at 6 months and lived there for 2 years, then moved to Hilo, Hawai’i and resided there until the age of 9, and finally moved to the island of Kaua’i where I have resided since. 

I have been asked to coordinate and chair the Hawaiian Studies Department and program here at Kaua'i Community College.  I have been here at KCC since 1989 and I continue to be excited about the campus and the opportunities it provides for our community.  We have seen the development and establishment of the Hawaiian Studies department and program here and are looking forward to its continued growth in the future.

I currently teach HWST 107 – Hawaiʻi Center of the Pacific,  HWST 111 – The Hawaiian ‘Ohana,  HWST 281 – Polynesian voyaging, HWST 251 – Kalo culture, and HWST 177 – Hawaiian Music in transition. 

So, how did I get into this area of Hawaiian Studies?  I guess I had been involved with “nā mea Hawai’i” from a child, but never really understood it as an academic discipline.  From activities of fishing, swimming, and listening to Hawaiian music in Hilo to learning to surf, dive, and actually sing and play Hawaiian music here on Kaua'i have been influences that has led me to my current avocation and vocation.  However, the greatest influence on my decision to pursue Hawaiian Studies as a discipline was my experiences while on the mainland.  Being asked about Hawaiian language, history, and culture while on the mainland always pointed out my lack of in-depth knowledge, especially in Hawaiian language.  Resolving to correct this I enrolled in the University of Hawaiʻi system to pursue knowledge in this area (1973 – 2000).   I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Hawaiian Studies (1978) and then a Masters of Education Administration (2000).  In addition to the academic world, I have been involved with and a part of other Hawaiian activities and projects through the years.  For example, I was a member of Ka Pā Hula Hawaiʻi, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kahaʻi Topolinski from 1975 to 1985, I have been a member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society since 1979 and a crewmember on Hōkūleʻa and Hawaiʻi Loa in 1985, 1992, 1995, 1999-2000 long distance voyages to the South Pacific, along with numerous shorter interisland voyages since 1980.  I have held leadership roles of watch captain and captain since 1992.  I was also Ka Papa Loʻi o Kanewai Coordinator - University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa at which I coordinated, maintained, and conducted activities at the loʻi there in Mānoa (1987-1989).  During this time period  (1979 – 1989) I was introduced to the world of education, especially alternative education modes, as the Kamehameha Schools Alternative Education program Mālama O Ke Ola (1980-1989) brought me into their program working with at-risk Hawaiian students from both the public schools system and the family courts.  Throughout all of these experiences, I have had the honor and privilege of meeting with and conversing with many of the Hawaiian scholars, leaders, practitioners, and kupuna that had shaped the “Hawaiian renaissance”.   From Kawena Pukui, Aunty Edith Kanakaʻole to Kaʻupena Wong, Eddie Kamae, and Aunty Alice Namakelua, it was an honor and also a kuleana to continue to pass on the thoughts and knowledge that they have shared with me.

When I am not on campus, I may most likely be found either working on Namahoe, a voyaging canoe we are currently establishing for Kaua'i, or surfing (also stand-up paddle surfing).  At other times I may be playing soccer (or at least trying to play and keep up with the younger players) or playing Hawaiian music. 

I feel everyone here on Kaua'i and the rest of the State of Hawaiʻi should learn and know intimately the culture, language, history, and people of this land.  We all call Hawaiʻi home, so it is imperative that we know, understand, and acknowledge the indigenous people, culture, and language of this place we call Hawaiʻi.  In addition, Hawaiian Studies is such a multi-disciplinary area that it allows for a very integrated, dynamic, and exciting style of learning and teaching.