Top row (left to right): Maddie Walsh ʻ24, Dru Hara ʻ24, Kawaiuluhonua Scanlan ʻ24, Sophia Morgan ʻ24, McKenzie Gallagher ʻ24, and KHA Fellow Alexa Deike ‘21
Middle row (left to right): Denielle Pedro ʻ24, Kalei Akau ʻ24, Hannah Taum ʻ24, Lia Cook ʻ24, Emma Olsen ʻ24, Elena Chang ʻ24, Nakoa Gabriel ʻ24, and KHA Fellow Kaulu Luuwai ʻ21
Bottom row (left to right): Professor U‘ilani Tanigawa-Lum ‘19, Professor Susan Serrano ʻ98, Professor Kapua Sproat ʻ98, MJ Palau McDonald ʻ22, Professor Melody MacKenzie ʻ76, and Shellie McDow ʻ24
On May 12, 2024, the Environmental Law Program (ELP) and the Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law (Ka Huli Ao) celebrated members of the 2024 graduating class who earned certificates in environmental law (9) and Native Hawaiian law (14). Three students earned both certificates!
ELP and Ka Huli Ao hosted the event at the Law School clinical building. Upon arrival, graduates received a crown flower or puakenikeni lei, gift bags, and a mimosa or sparkling cider to kick off the celebration. In the main classroom, a slideshow played on repeat depicting the graduates’ adventures and achievements—both local and abroad. Graduates and their families reminisced and enjoyed poi cheesecake flown in from Kaua‘i, courtesy of the Waipā Foundation. A lei wall, constructed by Professor and Ka Huli Ao Director Kapua Sproat ‘98, her husband Kalā Ho, and Ka Huli Ao Post-JD fellow, Kaulu Lu‘uwai ‘21, adorned the back of the classroom. Made from lā‘ī (ti leaves), palapalai, and kukui leaves, this lei wall provided a beautiful backdrop for photos snapped by graduates and their families to remember this momentous occasion.
Elena Chang, one of two graduating ELP research associates, reflected on the event by saying, “One of the most memorable parts of the celebration was watching the E Ho‘i ka Nani and mahalo video, featuring the community members we had the privilege of working with over the past few years as part of the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic’s work in Maui Komohana. It meant so much to have our community folks show up for us at graduation!” Elena also expressed her gratitude for the pilina (relationships) built with the community and each other through the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic.
Another graduating ELP research associate, Sophia Morgan, said: “It was so special having everyone in the same room together. We were the last class that started law school fully online our first year. The transition from seeing everyone in little boxes on my laptop to sharing one last afternoon together in person surrounded by our loved ones was so special.”
Both graduates reflected on notable ELP experiences. Elena mentioned the field trip to Hakalau with former Dean Antolini as being one of her favorite memories from the ELP program. Sophia highlighted the Environmentors event, sharing how it remains to be a “unique opportunity for students to connect with ELP alumni and learn about the wide variety of positions available” for students and future graduates.
We will miss seeing these familiar faces at future ELP and Ka Huli Ao events but we wish everyone the best in their future endeavors. Congratulations to all the newly graduated students!
JH 6/22/24