Phone: (707) 299-6229

Email: likopuha@nowelo.org

Notes: Liko Puha received his Bachelor's of Arts in Hawaiian Studies degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo in 2004. He worked at the Hale Kuamo‘o Hawaiian Language Center as a technology support associate from 2000-2005, an office where business is conducted entirely in the Hawaiian language.

From August 2005 to January 2008, Liko was a staff member of the Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, where he successfully planned, developed and implemented a personal enrichment distance learning outreach program focusing on Hawaiian culture, language and history. Working collaboratively with Hawaiian culture experts and educators from the Hilo community, he initiated, developed and delivered quality curriculum using WebCT (Web Course Tools) while integrating various technologies and learning strategies to ensure student and instructor success.

Liko strongly believes that distance learning technology can be transformed into something uniquely Hawaiian when courses are developed and delivered honoring Hawaiian ways of knowing and learning, tempered with face to face learning opportunites. The A‘o Makua program is such an example of that transformation. The program is an awesome opportunity for those seeking the knowledge and wisdom of our kūpuna to connect with those committed to perpetuating this knowledge for our future and future generations no matter the learner's geographical location.

Personal
After completing an apprenticeship in 2001 with Master Chanter Dr. Kalena Silva, Liko has shared his acquired knowledge of oli (chant) through community blessings, workshops and classes in Hawaii and the continent. He was recently honored to be the court chanter for the 2007 Hawai‘i Island Aloha Festivals royal court. Liko loves to play ‘ukulele, dance hula and composing mele oli.