Aunty Betty Jenkins

Aunty Betty Jenkins has been an educator for over 35 years, first in Ohio, then California, Micronesia, Guam and finally home in Hawai'i. She was a member of the HIDOE State Language Arts Team, a Title I Teacher, and a 3-on-2 Team Teacher, before retiring from her formal teaching career as one of the founders of Hālau o Hale'iwa at Hale'iwa Elementary School on O'ahu’s North Shore. After retirement, Aunty Betty worked with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, partnering with the State Hawaiian Studies Program that took her traveling statewide to meet a host of kupuna who she learned to honor, respect and admire. She became involved with many organizations during that time, and was appointed to NHEC in 1997. Aunty Betty is always generous with her time and wisdom, volunteering with Papa Ola Lokahi, 'Imi Ke Ola Mau, Ho'omau Ke Ola, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Honolulu Chapter and Waimea Valley. Aunty Betty’s involvement with NHEC has always been with the highest regard and respect for “kupuna wisdom” and she prides herself on being an advocate for the elders of our community. She says she has witnessed change, growth and many successes throughout the years, always with the understanding of our Hawaiian education styles and integration of cultural values, which are not always understood by western educators.
Council Member – Consumer

Aunty Betty Jenkins has been an educator for over 35 years, first in Ohio, then California, Micronesia, Guam and finally home in Hawai’i. She was a member of the HIDOE State Language Arts Team, a Title I Teacher, and a 3-on-2 Team Teacher, before retiring from her formal teaching career as one of the founders of Hālau o Hale’iwa at Hale’iwa Elementary School on O’ahu’s North Shore.

After retirement, Aunty Betty worked with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, partnering with the State Hawaiian Studies Program that took her traveling statewide to meet a host of kupuna who she learned to honor, respect and admire. She became involved with many organizations during that time, and was appointed to NHEC in 1997. Aunty Betty is always generous with her time and wisdom, volunteering with Papa Ola Lokahi, ‘Imi Ke Ola Mau, Ho’omau Ke Ola, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and Ahahui Ka’ahumanu Honolulu Chapter and Waimea Valley. Aunty Betty’s involvement with NHEC has always been with the highest regard and respect for “kupuna wisdom” and she prides herself on being an advocate for the elders of our community. She says she has witnessed change, growth and many successes throughout the years, always with the understanding of our Hawaiian education styles and integration of cultural values, which are not always understood by western educators.