ORIGINALS
Creating inspiring stories and working with skilled artists and community members. Together, we encourage creativity, share new ideas, support learning and reading for all.
Our educational philosophy honors the legacy of Senator Daniel K. Akaka ("Pa" Akaka), a former teacher and principal who believed in nurturing the whole child through character, community, and Aloha. Inspired by his lifetime of advocacy, our literacy initiatives focus on four enduring pillars:
Environmental Stewardship: Inspiring civic action to protect and clean vital coastal ecosystems. “A BEACH DAY with PA”
Financial Literacy: Teaching early accountability through earning, saving, spending, and giving. “A SUMMER JOB with PA”
Social-Emotional Learning: Cultivating inclusive communities rooted in safety and mutual acceptance. “FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL with MRs. Humuhumunukunukuapua’a…”
Ecological Awareness (Aloha ʻĀina): Cultivating deep respect for the land and native species. “A TROPICAL FOREST VISIT with PA”
Through intentional storytelling and active volunteer service, we empower children to connect with the world around them—continuing Pa’s belief that education is our most powerful tool to uplift families and communities.
Big news! The 2026 DKAFF Originals: A Short Story Collection winners have been selected, and all new authors have been contacted. We will announce the final details and selected stories as soon as our publication date is locked in. Look out for the official release before the end of this year!
MAHALO TO OUR PARTNERS: Division of Forestry and Wildlife State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Land and Natural Resources & Michael Chun.
MAHALO TO OUR PARTNER: Division of Aquatic Resources, State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Inspired by Pa. Akaka, who began as a Hawaiʻi teacher and principal before serving in Washington and helping start Financial Literacy Day on Capitol Hill.
MAHALO TO OUR BEACH DAY TEAM
Senju Kobo Co. Ltd.: CEO Ayumi Sugimoto. Illustrator: Brady Evans Music & Sound Creator: Dwayne Andres Video Editor: Shinichi Sugimoto Voice Actors: Nicolas Akaka, Catherine Mattson, Cobyn Mattson, and Elijah Ilar. Translators: Kaori Mills and Mizuki Wiseman. Illustration Assistant: Kureha Pambid and Staff Support: Yuki Kanbara
COMING SOON
AUTHOR VISITS
Enhancing literacy, community engagement and community building through author visits. INQUIRE: emattson@ohana100.org