Education

M.A., Pacific Island Studies, August 15, 2004, University of Hawaii at Manoa

B.A., Hawaiian Arts, August 10, 1997, University of Hawaii at Manoa

A.A., Liberal Arts (with honors), December 14, 1995, Honolulu Community College

A.S., Commercial Art (with honors), December 14, 1995, Honolulu Community College

 

Certificate of Completion, UNU Global Seminar -1st Hawaii Session 2004, March 19-22, 2004,

United Nations University and School of Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Studies, University of Hawaii

Certificate of Completion, Substitute Teacher Course, February 26, 2004, Hawaii Department of Education, Farrington Community School for Adults

Certificate of Completion, Photography, May 13, 1994, Honolulu Community College

Certificate of Induction with Phi Theta Kappa Society, International Scholastic Order of the Two Year College by the Alpha Kappa Iota Chapter, November 19, 1993

 

Presentations

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2007).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.  

A series of cultural lectures on Hawaiian art forms, hula, sacred genealogies and Na’au Poi with PowerPoint presentations were completed at the APAC, Asia Pacific American Conference at the University of Minnesota at Mankato, Minnesota in Oct 2007. In addition, Na’au Poi presentations included the professional audiences of the Queen Lili’u’okalani Trust and Keiki ‘o Ka Aina Learning Center Faculty – Parent Workshop Conferences, Honolulu, HI.  Na’au Poi presentations were also hosted by the Hawaiian community with the Aluli /McManus Ohana (Kailua) and the Colleen Nomura Ohana of Noah’s Ark Ministries (Kaimuki), Honolulu, HI.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2005-2006).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.  

PowerPoint presented at the Honolulu Community College New Student Orientation Workshop Series and Summer Bridge Students as part of a 3 credit course, Honolulu, HI.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2006).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.

PowerPoint presented at the Leeward Community College for the NHEA, Native Hawaiian Education Association Conference, Honolulu, HI.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2006).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.  

PowerPoint presented at the Delta and Pan Am Travel Industry Conference, Costa Mesa, CA.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2005).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.

PowerPoint presented at the Indiana University Global Conference: Pushing Boundaries, Conference Papers Published in “Over the Edge” by Cambridge Publishing U.K. in 2007, Bloomington, IN.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2004).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.

PowerPoint presented at the Keko’olani/Hussy Reunion in Waipi’o Valley, Waipi’o, Hawaii.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2004).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.

PowerPoint presented at the University of Hawaii at Manoa SHAPS Conference for the School of Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Island Studies, Honolulu, HI.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2004).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.

Oral testimony on Na’au Poi presented for the Hawaii State Legislature for the North Korean Conflict Affair/“Spirit of Hawaii, One Man Rowing a Boat Across Korea Peace Mission,” Honolulu, HI.

 

Keko’olani-Simmons, D. A. (2004).  Na’au Poi: Spiritual Food for Cultural Enlightenment.

PowerPoint presented for the United Nations Global University Conference at University of Hawaii at Manoa (Attained Certificate of Completion), and the USA United Nations Local Chapter, Honolulu, HI.

 

 

Teaching Experience

 

Honolulu Community College, Honolulu, HI

January 2005 -September 2006

Instructor CC, Activities Coordinator, Pacific-Hawaiian Island Studies, Native Hawaiian Center

Instructor CC, Transition Coordinator, Pacific-Hawaiian Island Studies, Native Hawaiian Center

Instructor CC, Pacific-Hawaiian Island Studies and Hawaiian Language (4 credits)

Counselor, Native Hawaiian Center

Advisor (Volunteer). Epic Christian Club

 

Instructor CC, Activities Coordinator - Develop and implement activities, workshops and lecture series at the Native Hawaiian Center, assist students with campus and clubs activities, coordinate and collaborate activities with instructors and students on campus, research and development for curriculum.

 

Instructor CC, Transition Coordinator - Develop and implement retention activities, Assess and assist students with career and life planning skills, coordinate transition to work programs, counsel student transitions from 2 to 4 year colleges.

 

Instructor CC, Hawaiian Language  - Conducted college-level courses in the field of Hawaiian and English languages. Presented exercises in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for comprehension and fluency. Introduced students to Hawaiian culture through a language perspective. Areas of instruction included pronunciation, meaning, translation, and linguistic history of Hawaiian language. Responsible for preparing and delivering lectures, leading and moderating classroom discussions, and administering and grading examinations.

 

Close-Up Organization – A Global Organization, Honolulu, HI

May 1997 – May 2005

Instructor, Hawaiian Culture

 

Kapolei High School, Kapolei, HI

October 2003 – June 2004

Substitute Teacher III

 

Farrington High School, Honolulu, HI

August 2001 – January  2003

Substitute Teacher III, SPED

 

Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu, HI

July 2003

Summer School Substitute Teacher

 

Halau Lokahi Charter School, Kapalama, HI

July 2001 – October 2001

Primary Education Teacher & Curriculum Developer

 

Hokulani Elementary School, Manoa, HI

January 2000 – December 2000

Hawaiian Studies Primary Education Teacher

 

Miscellaneous educational training includes:

(1) DOE-ISPED Computer Data System (2/2002)

(2) DOE Chapter 56 (2/2002); Farrington High School Dynamic Team Building Workshop (2/2002)

(3) “The Heart and Art of Leadership” Workshop Training for FHS by New Hope Christian Fellowship (3/2002)

 

 

Professional Entertainment Experience

Modeling

l  Catalog model, G. D. European Sportswear and Bathing Suits

l  Cover model, Ward Warehouse, Mother’s Day advertisement

l  Cover model, Honolulu Advertiser, On the Scene of Waikiki Entertainment

l  Cover model, Aloha Magazine and Calendar

l  Cover model, Beach Comber Hotel brochure and “Dancer within Return to Paradise” poster

l  Cover model, “This Week” Magazine Anniversary Issue

l  Cover model, Presstime Magazine

l  Cover model, Ciao Mopeds

l  Brochure and booklet model, Reyn’s Spooner Hawaii

l  Brochure model, Club Lanai Resorts

l  Live model, Hawaiian Convention Photo Service

l  Newspaper and booklet model, Sears Roebuck Hawaii

l  Poster/brochure model, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

l  Poster/brochure and cover model, Halekoa Hotel

 

Voiceovers and Radio

l  Guest Speaker, University of Minnesota at Mankato Radio Station for Na’au Poi, APAC, 2007

l  Guest speaker, KHUH University of Hawaii, President McClain’s Radio Show for Na’au Poi, 2006

l  Voiceover, Hawaii National Volcano Parks CD

l  Voiceover, Hawaiian Host Chocolates TV commercial

l  Voice Over, Kuakini Medical Center

l  Spokesperson for “Tahiti Mission” featuring Kawika Kahiapo, Kelly Boy Delima, and Jan Shima, KAIM Christian Radio Talk Show

l  Guest speaker and Voice Over Artist, Haku Mele Productions Christian Heritage Radio

l  Guest speaker, KLHT Radio

 

Television and Video

l  Chanter, Cultural Historical Recitation,"The Generations Project" – Genealogies with Boyd Mossman (2009)

l  Director, writer, and featured vocalist and dancer, “Na Mea Hula Hawaii: A Cultural and Educational Hula Video with Hawaiian Language Tutorial” with Kumu John Keola Lake

l  Judge for Channel 2 “Hawaii Stars” karaoke music competition

l  Actor and Narrator, Kuakini Medical Center commercial

l  Actor, Harley Davidson Sheraton Hotels commercial

l  Actor, Hawaii Visitors Bureau commercial with Buzzy Kerbox

l  Actor, “Island Son” TV series, 1989-1991

l  Actor, “Jake and the Fatman” TV series, 1989-1990

l  Actor, Crystal Light Drink Commercial with Linda Evans, 1988-1991

l  Featured hula dancer, Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy, Olelo Channel

l  Hula dancer, “Life Goes On” television series

l  Extra, “North Shore” film

l  Hula dancer, Poul Poulos, Denmark music video

 

Art Publications and Experience

l Chanter, Kumu Hula - The Healing Garden, Voice of Kapolei News, 2009

l  Cultural Editor, The Love Remains – A Historical Novel by Catherine Smith, 2005

l  Featured article on Na’au Poi, The Voice of Kapolei Newspaper, April 2007

l  Graphic designer, Kokua Homeless Fundraiser CD

l  Published artwork, University of Hawaii College Magazine

l  Published artwork, Honolulu Community College Trades, Art Magazine

l  Commissioned photographer, 1991-2004 local projects

l  Graphic designer for Rodney Lopez CD cover, 1993

l  Keko’olani, D. A. (1991-1995).  E Pipio o ke Anuenue.  Hawaiian culture and arts photography presented at the Paradise Park Tree Tops Restaurant Standing Art Exhibit.

 

Live Performances – Music and Dance – Tours

l  Vocalist ,Karaoke DJ, Mistress of Ceremonies, Cabanas Waikiki at Ohana West Hotel, 2009

l  Chanter, Na Mea Hawaii, Blessing Ceremonies for Ho'okele Health Offices, 2009

l  Hula Dancer, University of Hawaii Conference, with Alana Akaka Trio at Iolani Palace, 2009

l  Hula Dancer, Hawaii State Capitol and Waikele Shopping Center, with Henry Allen, 2009

l  Chanter Na Mea Hawaii, Blessing Ceremonies for Laugh Comedy Club, 2008

l  Mistress of Ceremonies, Bankoh Na Wahine o Hawaii Concert with co-host Keaumiki Akui

l  Dancer, vocalist, model, lei greeter, convention host, KIKA Incorporated, 1989-2004

l  Solo Dancer with Alex McGangus, Waikiki  Beach Chaplaincy Church on The Beach at Waikiki televised on the Olelo Channel, 1989-2004

l  Solo hula dancer with Leon Siu, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 1991-2005

l  Solo dancer with Puamana, Aunty Irmgard Aluli, Mihana, Aima, Luana and Aunty Iwalani

l  Dancer, vocalist, model, lei greeter, convention host, Koa Entertainment, 1993-2004

l  Mistress of Ceremonies and chanter, Palolo Pride Festival, 1997-2003

l  Wedding vocalist, Best Bridal TK Japan Weddings, 1999-2003

l  Mistress of Ceremonies, narrator, dancer, and chanter with Brickwood, Moe Keale, Kanilau, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 1991-2001

l  Ka Himeni Ana Song Contest Performer and Third Place Winner/ Poi Boys, Hawaii Theatre, 2001

l  Mistress of Ceremonies and Solo Dancer, Hilton Hawaiian Village Kings Jubilee Celebration Poolside Show 1993-2000

l  Wedding vocalist, Moana Hotel, 1993-2000

l  Hula dancer,  “Seniors” Hula Festival, Tokyo, Japan, 1998

l  Background vocals, choreographer, dancer, Dick Jensen Show, 1998

l  Dancer, Frank Delima Glen Medeiros Show at the Waikiki Showroom, 1999

l  Dancer, choreographer, line captain, Hawaii Calls Show with Nina Kealiiwahamana and Gary Aiko, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai Shows, 1996-1997

l  Polynesian dancer, chanter, costume maker, Beachcomber Hotel, Tunui's Tuamotu Api and Maereva Productions, 1990-1991

l  Solo dancer with Hawaii Loa featuring Eddie Palama, Sean Naauao, Ryan Tang, Moana Hotel

l  Oli oli chanter for Pu’u Kohola Ceremonies, Iolani Palace, and events with John Keola Lake 1996-1999

l  Solo Hula Dancer with Sonny Kamahele, Alan Akaka, Hyram Olds Trio, Halekulani Hotel, 1989-2004 (performed for President Nixon)

l  Polynesian dancer, Hawaiki Nui Productions, Fruit Festival- Okayama, Kobe, and Japan, 1997

l  Dancer, vocalist, chanter, model, convention host, ENH Inc. Kahale and John Naki, 1991-2005

l  Hula Dancer for George Paoa, Henry Allen from Maui, Alamoana Center Stage, 1989-2004

l  Director, vocalist, dancer, Na Leo ‘o Ho’onani (Voices of Praise), Grace Bible Church, 1989-1997

l  Polynesian dancer, vocalist, chanter, convention host, Tunui’s Royal Polynesians & Tunui’s Tuamotu Api Hawaiian Islands, Japan and United States Tours, 1984-1991

l  Tahitian Exhibition Group Dancer, Tahiti Fete Honolulu and Kauai Tahihi Fete, Tunui’s Tuamotu Api 1986-1988

l  Polynesian Dancer, Danny Kaleikini at Harrah's Showroom, Reno, Nevada, 1988

l  Royal Hawaiian Band solo hula dancer, Island Wide Concerts with Bandmaster Aaron Mahi, 1989-1996

l  Holomua Pono- Kumu Hula, Hula Director, Honolulu Community College, 1991-1995

l  National and International Art Performances Hawaiian Liaison, Dancer and Translator, New Hope Christian Fellowship Tahiti Islands Mission Trip: Moorea, BoraBora, Tahiti Nui 2002

l  Polynesian dancer, Country Dancing, Tropical Beat Productions, Florida, Buenos Aires Argentina, 1988

l  Polynesian Dancer and Hawaii Ambassador, Sounds of Young Hawaii Show (Shigeru Hitoke), Tour of 17 cities in Japan, Presented Messages of Peace from President Reagan to Dignitaries, 1988

l  Polynesian Dancer, sign language performer, vocalist, 1st Sacred Fire Arts Christian Festival, New York, Russia, Bulgaria, Canada, 1991-1992

l  Dancer, Exhibition Show on Ballroom Dance Saipan Continental Hotel, 1982

l  Pa Kui A Holo (Hawaiian martial arts) member, 1996

 

Volunteer Experience

l  Volunteer, Duke Aiona for Governor, 2010

l  Help for Haiti Fundraiser, Cabanas and Nashville Waikiki, 2010

l  Supporter, Cancer Fundraiser, Boots on the Beach, Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, 2009

l  Project Visitation volunteer for Foster Children services, Hawaii Volunteer Legal Services, Hawaii

l  Honolulu Community College (HCC) club advisor for student club, Club Epic

l  Aloha United Way Fundraiser volunteer at HCC

l  Tour Assistant for HCC with the NHC (Native Hawaiian Center) for the HCC Admissions and Counseling Departments

l  Tutoring services for HCC and Native Hawaiian students in all subject areas on campus at NHC

l  Student Life Development Center volunteer for HCC campus activities

l  HCC fundraisers and networking with private businesses for worthy causes volunteer

l  Introduced new connections with local Hawaiian organizations to support the goals of NHC, HCC

l  Angel Tree Ministry at New Hope Church, volunteer services for children with incarcerated parents

l  New Hope Ministry, Farrington High, School Spirit of Aloha Clean Up

l  Volunteer Kumu (Instructor of Hula) for Island Harmony Club, Farrington High School

l  Lo’i Irrigation Project, Maui,  Taro Patch planting and diversion of water

l  Kalaeloa Homeless Outreach Program, O’ahu, funding and donations

l  Sand Island Clean-Up Renewal Project, O’ahu,  funding and donations

l  Ulupo Heiau Restoration Project with Pa Kui A Holo, Kailua, clean up and restoration

l  Grace Bible Church Na Leo O Ho’onani, Alewa Heights, outreach work at hospitals and prisons

l  Mistress of Ceremonies, Palolo Pride Ho’olaule’a, Palolo, 1995-2003

l  Hawaiian Entertainer, St. Francis Hospice with Sonny Kamahele, Pali, 1999-2002

l  Punana Leo Pre-School parent tutor and Ho’omau concert volunteer, Waikiki, 1993-1995

l  Kamehameha Schools Performing Arts Academy, parent volunteer for ho’ike performances