Meet the Board!
Principal, Kori Takaki
Principal Kori Takaki serves as the Principal of Kealakehe High School and is a committed member of the School Community Council. With a strong belief in student voice, Principal Takaki ensures every decision reflects what is best for students and is grounded in shared responsibility with families and the broader school community. As a member of the Council, she collaborates with parents, staff, students, and community representatives that guide school improvement efforts, monitor progress toward strategic goals, and promote transparency in school operations. Principal Takaki is dedicated to fostering a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and collective efficacy so that all Waveriders are prepared for success beyond high school.
Kawehi Inaba, Community Member Representative
Kawehi Inaba is the Executive Director of Laʻiʻōpua 2020, a community-rooted nonprofit and neighbor to Kealakehe High School, where she leads programs in education, workforce development, culture, and ʻāina-based learning. She is also the owner of Kūpaʻa Business Planners, founder of Mokulele Airlines, former Director of the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research & Development, and now serves as a Commissioner on the Hawaiʻi County Leeward Planning Commission. Of all her accomplishments, Kawehi is most proud of raising three children, alongside her late husband, Don Inaba, who now give back to their community in meaningful ways. Her newest source of joy is her grandson, who keeps her grounded in why this work matters for future generations. She is honored to bring her leadership and community voice to the Kealakehe School Community Council as a community representative.
Raina Sawada, SCC Chairperson and Teacher Representative
Raina Sawada is a teacher at Kealakehe High School, currently acting as the department facilitator for the English Speaker of Other Language (ESOL) department. She has been a teacher in Hawaii for 7 years, working to support student growth in both life skills and curriculum knowledge. Raina is a proud mother of her 6-year old son Ryder and wife of Bryant Sawada. When she is not working, she homeschools her son Ryder and enjoys spending time off going on adventures with family in the great and beautiful outdoors of Hawaii. Raina dedicates much of her time to her work, students, and Kealakehe High School. She is honored to represent her school community as the School Community Council (SCC) Chairperson.
Sara Pedro, SCC Vice Chairperson and Parent Representative
Bio & Photo Coming Soon!
Denice Tanaka, SCC Secretary and Non-Certified Staff Representative
Bio & Photo Coming Soon!
Ryan Mears, SCC Student Representative
Bio & Photo Coming Soon!