05/24/2026
Dear Kaina,
I remember the day you were born. From the very beginning, you carried a quiet, steady presence about you.
Being your preschool teacher for 3 years was such a gift. While many kids wanted to be the loudest in the room, you never needed to be. You had a calm confidence and kindness that people naturally gravitated toward.
One of my favorite memories was during preschool gardening time. You gently tapped one of your teachers on the shoulder and stood there quietly holding a serrated knife blade-down in your tiny hand. You simply said, “The little kids had this.”
No one was upset. You didn’t do it for recognition , you just saw something unsafe and wanted to help.
That was the moment I knew your character.
Even years later, after I closed the preschool and you were already in high school, I would still run into former student families who would ask, “How is Kaina?”
That tiny little toddler left such a lasting impression on people without ever trying.
That’s when I knew you were deeply loved.
We’ve had sushi birthday dates, shopping trips for hats, and one of my favorite memories was taking you out on the boat with us. You got seasick almost immediately, but never complained. You quietly rested and waited it out. Once you felt better, you were completely in your element , trolling, bottom fishing, and even catching a tako eating a fish. You were genuinely fascinated and simply happy to be there.
That’s when I knew you were thoughtful, flexible, and never wanted to burden anyone else.
My current favorite memory is from last night at your lei-giving ceremony. One hour into it, leis stacked from your shoulders to your head, both arms filled elbow to wrist, and there was a line at least ten people deep waiting to congratulate you.
Watching that, I realized something:
You are loved not just by your family or your village, but by your entire community.
And even more beautiful, you allow people to love you.
Everywhere you go, you leave a lasting impression simply by being yourself.
That’s how I know you will always have a community standing beside you wherever life takes you.
We are so proud of you, Kaina.
Proud family, village, community.
Love,
Aunty Kristy
