Who We Are

The Kamehameha Schools Parents & Alumni Relations (PAR) Department is here to serve the parents and graduates of Kamehameha Schools. Our staff comes with years of experience and expertise in parent and alumni relations. Collectively, we bring to the department a commitment of diligence and dedication to Kamehameha and the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop.

MERVLYN KITASHIMA, Parents & Alumni Relations Administrator

Mervlyn (Merv) joined Kamehameha staff as the PAR, Parent Coordinator in September 2001. She brings many years of management and parent and family involvement experience from her 16 years of service in the DOE’s Parent Community Networking Center program.

A 1973 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, her love for Kamehameha and her passion for parent and family involvement is motivated by the fact that she is a mother of seven children (all of whom are KS graduates), and grandmother to fifteen. She is a Certified Parenting Instructor and a national speaker on the subject of Resilience.

In her free time, Merv loves to shop and travel with husband Dan (’71) and spend time with her family.

KALEI ADAMS, Parent Relations Coordinator (Grades K-6)

Kalei joined the PAR staff in 2015. Kalei is the Parent Coordinator for Kamehameha Kapālama Elementary School. A 1991 graduate of Kamehameha School, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Solomon and their three sons. Kalei looks forward to working with KES families.

LAURIELEI WARACKA, Parent Relations Coordinator (Grades 7-12)

Laurielei “Laurie” Waracka joined the PAR staff in 2005 and is the Parent Coordinator for all of Kamehameha Middle and High School. A 1981 graduate of Kamehameha Schools and a 1985 graduate of Chaminade University, she is right at home at Kapālama.

Daughter Amber (KS ’08) teaches Social Studies at Kea‘au Middle School on Hawai‘i Island; son Logan graduated from Damien Memorial School and works at the family’s electrical business; and youngest daughter Jordyn graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy and is working towards her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UH Hilo.

CHANELL SAGON, Parent & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Chanell joined the PAR staff in September 2015 as Parent & Alumni Relations Coordinator. A 2007 graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, she is looking forward to being able to work with KS families and alumni, and to give back to her alma mater. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, traveling and shopping. 

KAREN HAMADA, Web Development Specialist

Karen joined the Parents & Alumni Relations department in August 2008 as a Database/Website Assistant. She has over 15 years of experience as an interactive designer which include working at two local agencies (one in advertising and the other in communications) and is a part-time realtor.

Karen loves spending as much time as she can with her first love, her son Chase. She also enjoys doing crafts and photography, going shopping and spending time with friends and family.

KANANI ROMENA, Administrative Coordinator

Kanani joined the PAR staff in August 2014, transferring into PAR from the Religious Services Department. She and her husband William reside in Waianae and have three children, Nikki (KS ’14), Dominic, and Justus (KS ’19). In her free time, she enjoys paddle boarding and hiking.

LUANA CHONG, Administrative Support

Luana joined the PAR office as a temp in April 2007 shortly after her retirement from KS’ Land Assets Division, Endowment Group.

Luana and her late husband, Vaughn, are 1960 KS alumni. Their three children are also KS alumni. She is the grandmother of 12 and working in the PAR office gives her the opportunity to return to Kamehameha and be involved with the activities of those of her grandchildren who are current students.

She enjoys working as a temp as her schedule is flexible, which allows her to take time off to travel and enjoy the benefits of retirement. She is also an active participant with her class of 1960.