3 Big Island principals nominated for 2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award

Three Big Island public school educators are among the state’s top principals and are nominees for an award that honors their efforts to provide students with high-quality learning opportunities.

Hilo Union Elementary School Principal Bryan Arbles, Keonepoko Elementary School Principal Kasey Eisenhour and Hōnaunau Elementary School Principal Noreen Kunitomo represent one-fifth of the group of 15 public school leaders from each of Hawai‘i’s four counties nominated for the 19th Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award.

This year’s other nominees are:

• Kimberly Anthony-Maeda, Kailua High School, O‘ahu.
• Albert Hetrick, Āliamanu Middle School, O‘ahu.
• Lisa Ann Higa, Nānākuli Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• Kimberly Ka‘ai, Maunaloa Elementary School, Moloka‘i.
• Ryan Kusuda, Waikīkī Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• Corey Nakamura, Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School, Kaua‘i.
• Walter Santiago, Kahalu‘u Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• Paul Taga, Keone‘ula Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• Troy Tamura, Mililani Waena Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• Gavin Tsue, Palisades Elementary School, O‘ahu.
• Merilee Valentino, Pāi‘a Elementary School, Maui.
• Christopher Baba Yim, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻO Ānuenue, O‘ahu.

Previous winners from the Big Island include 2023 recipient Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School Principal Sharon Beck, 2017 recipient former Nāʻālehu Elementary School Principal Darlene Javar and 2015 recipient Keaʻau High School Principal Dean Cevallos.

This year’s nominees were recently honored during an event hosted by award underwriter and nonprofit Island Insurance Foundation.

The 2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award recipient and two semi-finalists will be announced April 17 during the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation annual gala in the Hawai‘i Ballroom at Sheraton Waikīkī on O‘ahu.

Hawai‘i State Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi, Island Insurance Foundation Chairman Tyler Tokioka and an array of state and local officials attended the recent event to celebrate the accomplishments of the nominees.

Each of the 15 principals also received a $1,000 cash award.

The principal who claims this year’s Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award will receive $25,000: $15,000 to go toward a school project and $10,000 for personal use.

Each of the two semi-finalists will receive a $2,000 personal award.

Named for and given in honor of the late Masayuki Tokioka — community leader, philanthropist, founder of Island Insurance and proud graduate of Hawai‘i public schools — the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award was created 20 years ago and is meant to recognize the accomplishments and success of the state’s outstanding public school leaders.

More than $650,000 has been given to Hawai‘i public school principals to highlight their efforts and assist in funding high-impact school projects since the award was created.

Past recipients used their award money in unique and creative ways to engage their students by launching or expanding projects such as an aquaponics program, a science resource center, high school transition and college preparation programs, a culinary arts program and a digital arts programs, among others.

Click here to learn more or see other past Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award winners.

To find more about the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation annual gala April 17, visit the foundation’s website.