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Non-Profit Background

Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization with the mission to keep the Hawaiian culture alive by promoting and encouraging a deep admiration of the Hawaiian arts from generation to generation, which encompasses every aspect of the Hawaiian lifestyle with particular focus on hula and music.

Executive Director - Iwalani Kalima is the Kumu Hula of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E. She has studied under renowned hula master George Lanakilakeikiahiali'i Na'ope for over 36 years. She received her kumu palapala in 1982. And has the ambition to perpetuate her life experiences, with people that want to learn about hula, Hawaiian culture and its arts.

Board of Directors Background

President – Joseph Nohea Kalima was born and raised in Keaukaha Homesteads of Hilo. He grew up in a family that fostered a deep appreciation of music and hula. This appreciation gave him the inspiration and a significant role to create artwork that expresses his culture and his lifestyle with a variety of graphic mediums.

Vice-President – Leinani W. Kalima is a retired and dedicated individual. She was born and raised in Hilo, Hawai'i. At a young age, she learned the hula and performed with the many well-known performers and groups (Haili Church Choir, the Hilo Kalima’s, Uncle George Na’ope, and renowned kumu hula Johnny Lum Ho). She is now giving her time to help perpetuate all aspects of the Hawaiian culture and arts

Secretary – Kainoa Baptiste is a Hilo girl that has been a hula dancer for Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E, since the age of fifteen. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies with a concentration of continuing the culture and a teaching certificate from the University of Hawai'i, Hilo. Kainoa now holds the title of the Hawaiian Language Editor of the Humu Mo’olelo Journal.

Treasurer – Melia Cortez has been dancing with Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E for 7 years. She is self-trained in bookkeeping and accounting skills. Melia has dedicated her time to help manage all of the necessary financial data to our non-profit organization. She is also devoted to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and the art of the hula.