Trailblazers, changemakers and Class champions took center stage at the 2026 Punahou Alumni Association Awards, where a night of celebration honored those who embody the best of Punahou alumni values and purpose.
The “O” in Life Award, created in 1954, is the Punahou Alumni Association’s most prestigious award. It honors an individual who exemplifies the ideals of service to Punahou and the community.
“O” in Life Award
John Hara ’57
As the 2026 recipient of the Punahou Alumni Association’s “O” in Life Award, John Hara ’57 is being recognized for more than four decades of service to the School and a transformative architectural legacy that continues to define the physical and educational experience of generations of students.
Over his career, Hara has designed 25 projects for the School, including the restoration of Wilcox Hall and Old School Hall, as well as the creation of Case Middle School and the Mamiya Science Center. His “design assist” philosophy – bringing educators and architects together in collaboration – helped ensure that learning spaces were intentionally crafted to support curiosity, creativity and discovery.
Hara’s connection to Punahou began in his own student days, when he could be found catching crayfish in the Lily Pond or practicing the oboe in Montague Hall – early experiences he credits with fostering a lifelong appreciation for the harmony between environment and education. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Hara went on to build a distinguished career as one of Hawai‘i’s most influential architects, known for his commitment to thoughtful, human-centered design.
After beginning his career in France and Switzerland, Hara returned home in 1970 to establish his own firm, eventually becoming a nationally recognized leader in sustainable architecture. A pioneer of “green” design in Hawai‘i, he helped advance energy efficiency and environmental awareness long before they became industry standards. His work includes major cultural landmarks such as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the Honolulu Museum of Art’s Luce Pavilion.
Hara’s multi-generational ties to Punahou further deepen his legacy. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ernest Hara (1928), he later worked on campus projects alongside his daughters, Mayu ’91 and Kasi ’95. Today, his grandchildren walk the same halls he helped design, a living testament to a family legacy woven into the fabric of the School.
Emerging Innovator Award
Created to honor and recognize visionary alumni who have demonstrated empathy and forward thinking and provided insight into a better, brighter future for their community and the world.
D Dangaran ’11
D Dangaran ’11 is a visionary legal scholar and advocate whose work is reshaping the landscape of civil rights and systemic equity. A proud Punahou graduate from Wahiawa-, Dangaran went on to become a first-generation college graduate at Yale University before earning a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Across every stage of their journey, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, using their legal expertise to uplift marginalized communities and challenge structural inequities. Dangaran is an Assistant Professor of Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.
Lei Hala Award
The Lei Hala Award created in 2026, is the Punahou Alumni Associations award that honors an individual who exemplifies the wisdom, integrity, and cultural stewardship inspired by Mary Kawena Pukui.
Wendy Beckley Crabb
The Lei Hala Award is reserved for an individual or group whose visionary commitment to the School’s mission – and to the broader spirit of Hawai‘i – transcends the everyday. It celebrates those who do not merely serve our community, but who embody a character rooted in the enduring value of aloha, kuleana and the preservation of knowledge. A true child of Ka Punahou. Wendy Beckley Crabb, who is retiring from the Board of Trustees, is the inaugural recipient of this honor.
“Wendy’s leadership has been a gift to Punahou,” President Mike Latham ’86 said. “She was a wonderful Board Chair, and I was honored to work with her. Wendy has always kept students at the center, while helping the School to look ahead with courage, care, and a deep sense of responsibility to Hawai‘i.”
Together with her husband, Tony Crabb ’62, Wendy has supported every major capital project during her tenure, including transformational gifts to ‘Ike Hawai‘i, athletics, financial aid, and, most recently, the new Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons. Fellow trustees note that she not only inspired others to give but also led first, setting a powerful example of philanthropy rooted in belief and action.
Her support of Kuaihelani and Punahou’s ‘Ike Hawai‘i program helped strengthen students’ connection to language, culture, place and identity. Across campus and throughout the broader Punahou community, Wendy remains a familiar and joyful presence at games, performances, campus gatherings and alumni events, bringing what friends describe as an enormous heart to every part of Punahou life.
Wendy leaves the Board having helped shape Punahou for generations to come, with a legacy of service that will continue to guide the School she so deeply loves.
The Charles S. Judd Jr. Humanitarian Award
Awarded to a Punahou alumnus who has made outstanding contributions to society in Hawai‘i in the fields of public service, humanitarian or charitable efforts, arts, letters or sciences.
Māpuana Howell ’67 de Silva
Māpuana Howell ’67 de Silva is a celebrated kumu hula and practitioner, she has spent more than five decades leading Hālau Mōhala ‘Ilima, preserving traditional mele and hula while also contributing new compositions that enrich the modern Hawaiian cultural canon. Her work has helped anchor generations of students and alumni, including guiding her own class’s 50th Reunion traditions with enduring mana‘o and aloha. Her impact extends far beyond the hālau. Silva’s visionary work bridges culture and science through collaborations with researchers at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, exploring the role of hula in cardiac healing and holistic well-being.
“Wendy’s leadership has been a gift to Punahou,” President Mike Latham ’86 said. “She was a wonderful Board Chair, and I was honored to work with her. Wendy has always kept students at the center, while helping the School to look ahead with courage, care, and a deep sense of responsibility to Hawai‘i.”
Together with her husband, Tony Crabb ’62, Wendy has supported every major capital project during her tenure, including transformational gifts to ‘Ike Hawai‘i, athletics, financial aid, and, most recently, the new Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons. Fellow trustees note that she not only inspired others to give but also led first, setting a powerful example of philanthropy rooted in belief and action.
Her support of Kuaihelani and Punahou’s ‘Ike Hawai‘i program helped strengthen students’ connection to language, culture, place and identity. Across campus and throughout the broader Punahou community, Wendy remains a familiar and joyful presence at games, performances, campus gatherings and alumni events, bringing what friends describe as an enormous heart to every part of Punahou life.
Wendy leaves the Board having helped shape Punahou for generations to come, with a legacy of service that will continue to guide the School she so deeply loves.
Old School Award
Created in 1976, Punahou Alumni Association Board of Directors wanted to recognize individuals who support Punahou in so many ways and who exemplify the spirit of Punahou through outstanding service to the school.
From left to right:
Pip White’s sons Phil ’08 and Kenny ’07, Laurel Bowers ’71 Husain and Speedy Bailey ’71.Pip White’s sons Phil ’08 and Kenny ’07, Laurel Bowers ’71 Husain and Speedy Bailey ’71.
Laurel Bowers ’71 Husain’s connection to the School spans generations, beginning as a young keiki helping her grandmother, Laura Pratt (1921) Bowers, with Carnival jams and jellies and continuing through a distinguished 24-year career as a staff member. During her time at Punahou, Husain shared her talents across the Alumni, Development, and Communications offices, helping to strengthen relationships and advance the School’s mission. Whether cheering from the sidelines at football, volleyball, or basketball games, she remains a devoted supporter of the buff ’n blue community.
Speedy Bailey ’71 embodies the buff ’n blue spirit in its purest form, sharing his talents and enthusiasm with the Punahou community for decades. A beloved fixture at school events, Bailey has volunteered as a basketball coach, mentored generations of student musicians and dedicated nearly 15 years to supporting the Holokū and May Day programs through his music. His commitment to Hawaiian music and culture has inspired countless students to continue their studies and deepen their appreciation for local traditions. For more than 30 years, Bailey has been an integral part of the Punahou Carnival Hawaiian Plate, performing with multiple bands each year and lending his talents to events ranging from Academy Symphony Orchestra concerts to alumni reunions across Hawai‘i and the continent.
Philip “Pip” White ’66 brought warmth, humor and aloha to every endeavor, whether serving as a unifying chair for his 50th Class Reunion or, alongside his wife Franny ’70, opening his family’s Kikila estate to host class gatherings and student events for decades. Always willing to lend a hand, he supported countless school traditions, from speaking at Senior Parents Night to volunteering behind the scenes to ensure memorable experiences for students and families.
Though deeply missed since his passing, White’s legacy endures across the Punahou campus – he played a pivotal role as architect in shaping the vision for the Mary Kawena Pukui Learning Commons, thoughtfully blending innovation, sustainability and respect for the School’s historic character. Known for his collaborative spirit and ability to listen deeply, White brought people together and helped transform ideas into spaces that inspire learning and connection.
Senior Award
Every year, PAA recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to both Punahou and the community. PAA is pleased to award each honoree $1,000.
Cooper Konishi ’26
Konishi is a humble and dedicated student whose quiet leadership has made a lasting impact on the Punahou community. As a student-athlete and Carnival food division head, he devoted countless hours to supporting one of the School’s iconic traditions, always stepping in wherever help was needed. Known for his selfless work ethic and willingness to put others first, Cooper exemplifies the values of service, teamwork and leadership.
Ilyana Alba ’26
Alba is an enthusiastic and welcoming leader whose commitment to inclusion has enriched the Punahou community since joining as a member of the Bridge cohort in 9th grade. Through her extensive volunteer work with the Punahou Ambassadors and orientation programs, she has helped countless students feel at home on campus. A confident communicator and natural leader, Ilyana brings energy, empathy and school spirit to every opportunity to serve.
Riley Mishina ’26
Mishina is an inclusive and thoughtful leader whose commitment to community has distinguished him throughout his years at Punahou. A student government senator from 9th through 12th grade, he has fostered meaningful connections across campus while honoring cultural traditions through activities such as Bon dancing, Holokū and Lei Mānoa. Whether expressing gratitude through handwritten notes or supporting others with small acts of kindness, Mishina consistently demonstrates compassion, humility and genuine care for those around him.
Certificate of Appreciation
Mahalo to these alumni who were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Punahou Alumni Association for their dedication to their Class and the larger alumni ‘ohana:
From left to right:
Marisa Brotman ’02 Sjulson
Kent Kasaoka ’94
Todd Iacovelli ’02
Megan Abbott ’02 Joswick