Hardy Spoehr grew up on O’ahu, first in Kapalama, near the Kamehameha Schools and Bishop Museum, and later in Makiki. His family moved to Hawaii from Saipan when his father accepted a position at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Spoehr is a graduate of Punahou School, Wesleyan University and University of Hawaii.
As an adult, Spoehr has lived in Hawaii and Rarotonga ( Cook Islands) working as a teacher and an administrator in agencies such as The Nature Conservancy, ALU LIKE, Department of Hawaiian Homelands, the congressional Kaho’olawe Island Conveyance Commission, and as executive director of Papa Ola Lokahi, the Native Hawaiian Health Board founded in 1988 and authorized by the Native Hawaiian Health Care Improvement Act (written by 2010 David Malo recipient Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell.)
Spoehr has been awarded the Meritorious Service Award from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands, and the Kako’o o Kalaniana’ole Award from the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, at which time he was given the name, Kamalumalamaokaho’ola, the caring peace that brings well-being.
Now retired, Hardy distinguishes himself as a football official at the high school, college and professional levels, continues to paddle with Anuenue Canoe Club, and plays the bagpipes with the Celtic (KEL-tik) Pipes and Drums of Hawai’i.
He dotes on his wife, Joyce, of over 50 years, a lauhala weaver and retired City and County Recreation Director, his two daughters, Sarah Puamakaele Jenny and Brandy Kahealani Rea, and his six grandchildren.
Mary Pukui’s middle name, Kawena'ulaokalaniaHi'iakaikapolioPelekawahine'aihonua means, The rosy glow in the sky made by Hi’iaka, raised in the bosom of Pele, the earth consuming woman. Hardy’s contributions to the Hawaiian community and the community-at large exemplify the spirit of this award, named for she who dedicated her life to the perpetuation and preservation of Hawaiian culture and language. Hardy is currently a Board member of the Mary Kawena Puku'i Cultural Preservation Society.
Derek Tenn
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