Babā Yim, po‘o kumu (principal) of Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘O Ānuenue in Pālolo Valley, was named the winner of the 2025 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award at the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation annual dinner on April 17.
Island Insurance Foundation Chairman Tyler Tokioka said judges were impressed with Yim’s innovative leadership and ability to navigate challenges around operating a standalone Hawaiian immersion school serving students in grades K-12 from across the island.
“Principal Yim leads with heart and purpose. His ability to unite people around a shared vision for Hawaiian education makes him an exceptional school leader,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “He brings people together to serve a greater purpose.”
Hawaiian language is the medium of instruction at Ānuenue, which serves close to 400 students on O‘ahu.
Asked what makes his school special, Yim said: “For us, instilling the importance of language and culture — not just for Hawaiian kids, but for any keiki who call Hawai‘i home — (is about) giving them a sense of stewardship to this place so that we’re making better choices about how we take care of this place, and as we look into the future, creating people of good character. Through that lens, through the pathway of Hawaiian language and culture, giving them a good education.”
Yim was awarded a $25,000 prize – a $10,000 personal cash award and $15,000 toward a school project of his choice.
“I was honored to be chosen from this yearʻs group of nominees, outstanding principals doing great work in the schools,” he said.
Yim said he plans to use the school award for a number of initiatives aimed at helping revitalize and bring community back to the school, including projects to beautify the campus, maintain the lo‘i that run along the neighboring stream, and expand a performing arts program.
“Itʻs really about doing a number of things to bring community back to the school … A lot of times, when we hold things on campus, itʻs hard to get everyone to come with their families,” Yim said.
One of the main projects will involve working with a local artist to transform storage containers at the school into works of art with murals inspired by student art pieces. The plan is to bring students, families and community together to help paint the murals.
“It’s about reconnecting the school with the community, strengthening that sense of ownership and pride,” he said.
Two semi-finalists were also recognized — Kailua High School Principal Kimberly Anthony-Maeda and Hōnaunau Elementary School Principal Noreen Kunitomo. Each semi-finalist received a $2,000 cash award.
Fifteen HIDOE principals total — one from each complex area — were honored as nominees for the recognition in March, and each received a $1,000 prize.
The annual Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award honors the late Masayuki Tokioka, founder of Island Insurance Company, Ltd. and a proud graduate of Hawai‘i public schools. It was established in 2004 and is underwritten by the Island Insurance Foundation.
“This is the only local award that recognizes the work of Hawai‘i’s principals — not from a national organization, but from leaders right here in our community,” Hayashi said.
Photos from left to right: Ke Kula Kaiapuni ‘O Ānuenue Principal Babā Yim with senior HIDOE leadership; Kailua High Principal Kimberly Anthony-Maeda; Hōnaunau Elementary Principal Noreen Kunitomo.
