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Introduction:

The Center for Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Studies bear the name of Jonathan Napela, one of the early Hawaiian converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-DaySaints. Napela who was a judge in Maui came in contact with the LDS Church through the proselytizing efforts of Elder George Q. Cannon from Salt Lake City, Utah. 

Napela was involved in assisting Elder Cannon in the translating of the Book of Mormon into the Hawaiian language. His in-depth knowledge of the Hawaiian language enabled him to provide valuable insights and maintain the quality of the language. He also organized a language school to teach new missionaries who came to Hawaii. Napela epitomized a spirit of resilience, courage and love for truth and learning.

Vision:

Highly qualified students possessing a strong testimony of the Gospel, with  in-depth knowledge of Hawaii and Pacific cultures and languages in order to build communities and strengthen families. 

Mission:

The Center’s focus is to prepare students to be successful academically, return home and be employable.

Objectives:

1.    Honor, preserve and acknowledge Brigham Young University Hawaii’s unique cultural setting and identity in Hawaii and the Pacific region. 

2.    Increase the academic success of all students with special focus on  Hawaii and the Pacific region to promote  employability and greater  returnability to home countries.

3.    Connecting Brigham Young University Hawaii to the local community, Hawaii and the Pacific region, with a solid foundation of knowledge related to the  environment (flora, fauna, marine studies, astronomy), people, cultures, languages, as well as historical, social, political, economical and current issues.

4.    Serve as a resource center in providing support to Brigham Young University Hawaii with relevant and current information well as services to support the administration, faculty and staff to better prepare students.

5.    Provide support to the Polynesian Cultural Center through promotion, research and collaboration with cultural presentations and issues on the Pacific.