The next time you even think about complaining about the summer heat here on Kaua‘i, consider the chosen profession of Kaua‘i native Kevan Kamibayashi. Where he works, it’s sizzling. After graduating from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo with a
The next time you even think about complaining about the summer heat here on Kaua‘i, consider the chosen profession of Kaua‘i native Kevan Kamibayashi.
Where he works, it’s sizzling.
After graduating from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo with a bachelor’s degree in geology, he accepted a full-time position as a physical-science technician at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.
There, he journeys out into the lava fields for research.
Kevan Polani Kamibayashi of ‘Oma‘o recently received his bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo on the Big Island.
A 1998 graduate of Kaua‘i High School, he is the son of Robin and Erna Kamibayashi and the grandson of Frances Kamibayashi of ‘Oma‘o and Joseph and Beverly Manini of Waimea. While attending school in Hilo, Kamibayashi did an internship at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. His internship included geodetic studies, which involved fabrication and installation of instruments for deformation monitoring. His work with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory leads to the modeling of the internal structures of Hawai‘i’s Hawaiian shield volcanoes.
Kamibayashi first became interested in volcanic sciences when he attended a Rocks and Rolls program in 1991. Na Pua No‘eau, Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children, sponsored this program.
While under the instruction of Dr. James Kauahikaua of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Dr. James Anderson, a geology instructor at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, Kamibayashi was taught hands-on aspects of volcanology.
Kamibayashi was so impressed with what he was studying that from the age of 12 he was inspired to pursue a field of study in natural sciences, in particular geology, he said. This past summer, at age 23, Kamibayashi teamed up with Dr. Kenneth Hon of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and was part of the instruction team for a new set of students attending the Na Pua No‘eau Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children program: Rocks and Rolls. “He’s the greatest example of what we’re trying to do with our program,” said Dr. David Sing, the director of the Na Pua No‘eau Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children. The program is dedicated to raising students’ aspirations by introducing them to science-based programs they may never have even dreamed of, Sing said.
There are programs in several earth-based sciences such as oceanography, geology, volcanology and hydrology.
“When he finished public school, he started from community college, but he still had a clear vision of being a geologist with a background of Hawaiian studies. He made sure that his work as a volcanologist was still involved with Hawaiian culture,” Sing said.
“A lot of scientists at the university look for students who are inclined to science. With Kevan, that’s not really how it worked. When it came to the actual classwork, it was difficult, and he had to raise his skills,” Sing said. “We provided the aspiration, but his parents and his own interest gave him the extra strength to persevere. Because college professors who had worked with him remembered him, they continued a scholarship for him to continue,” said Sing.
“This year he graduated and he became a teacher. We all had chicken skin to see him come back,” Sing continued. The students did hands-on work as well as produced a video about their work during the summer.
“With our program, we integrate Hawaiian culture into the lessons. The students who participate don’t have to feel like they have to leave their Hawaiian side behind when they learn something new,” Sing explained.
“This increases the success of Hawaiian students.” There are seven Na Pua No‘eau satellite offices, including one at Kaua‘i Community College. For more information about participating in this program, please call Malia Chock at 241-3238. Kamibayashi would not have been able to accomplish his educational goals without financial support from Kamehameha Schools/Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate; Alu Like, Inc. and Hawaii Community Foundation’s Koloa Scholarship Program, he said.
