Informed public, students
will bring needed change

With a mischievous smile, Gladys Kamakakuokalani Ainoa Brandt, who started her career as a teacher on Maui in 1927, likes to tell how she became known as the "stand-up hula principal" at Kamehameha Schools.

Before Brandt joined the girls' school as principal in 1962, Kamehameha had forbidden girls to dance the hula standing up - it was just too risqué for the conservative trustees at the school.

"Well, I argued that if the ballet, which is a recognized art form, can be danced standing up -- what about hula," she recalled.

Brandt was successful in getting the rule changed, and at the first performance on Kamehameha Day, "they did such a beautiful dance there was an explosion of cheering."

She served as principal of the Kamehameha School for Girls until 1969, moving on to director of the high school division until 1971.

She served as a University of Hawaii regent from 1983-1989, and as an appointed member of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Brandt sees great changes ahead as an informed public demands more for both students and Hawaiians.

"Having lived at a time when our Hawaiian culture was dormant, I view the coming millennium with increased hope," said Brandt, 93.

Because of her positions at Kamehameha, Brandt's words had special impact when she joined with four others to write the essay, "Broken Trust," criticizing the Bishop Estate trustees. Now, she predicted that Kamehameha will expand its "vision and mission to provide quality education to all sections of our state."

"With more families and parents involved, nothing but good can come from it.

"I think to bring things to the public eye is good. It is when you don't hear anything you worry," she said.

As for native Hawaiians, the next century will provide an opportunity, she said, "to realize their identity as a sovereign people with a distinct culture that will be celebrated by all."

About this Series The Honolulu Star-Bulletin is counting down to year 2000 with this special series. Each installment will chronicle important eras in Hawaii's history, featuring a timeline of that particular period. This is the final installment. Series Archive Project Editor: Lucy Young-Oda Chief Photographer:Dean Sensui