Kaipuni educator, wife seeking assistance with immediate, long-term needs
Posted: March 18, 2026
A Maui educator and her ʻohana are asking for the community’s kōkua after the severe flooding in ʻĪao Valley due to the recent Kona low storms. Their outdoor kitchen washed away, and their 100-year-old home is now critically close to the riverbed, increasing the risk of its safety long term.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Kiana Ornellas, a longtime kaiapuni kumu at Pāʻia School in Maui, and her wife Uluwehi Ornellas. Uluwehi, a former Hawaiʻi State Department of Education employee, previously taught in the kaiapuni program at both Pāʻia School and Kalama School.
Kiana has dedicated the past decade to teaching fourth grade in Maui’s Hawaiian immersion program, working to uplift ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian culture) and support the next generation of learners. Uluwehi also previously served students in Hawaiʻi’s public school system, making education a central part of their ʻohana’s life and service.
According to the GoFundMe page organized by Uluwehi, the funds will help cover immediate needs as they rebuild, including:
- Bringing in an excavator to help redirect the river back to its original path and protect the valley
- Relocating their tiny hale to higher, safer ground
- Rebuilding their outdoor kitchen
- Removing hazardous debris from the property
- Repairing and rebuilding their parents’ home, which suffered severe roof flooding
Despite the challenges, the couple has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of community support.
HSTA members and the broader community are encouraged to show their aloha by contributing if they are able or by sharing the fundraiser to help the ʻohana rebuild.
To support Uluwehi and Kiana’s ʻohana, visit their GoFundMe page.