New head named for Kamehameha campus

Taran Chun has been named head of school for Kamehameha Schools’ Kapalama campus, the private school announced Monday.

Chun, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, will start June 1. He most recently served as principal of Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah, where he’s worked since 2013.

“Dr. Chun is well qualified for this position and understands the opportunities that a world-class, Hawaiian culture-based education can provide for Kamehameha students,” Holoua Stender, executive vice president of education, said in a statement. “He has held various education positions throughout his career, including classroom teacher, coach, school administrator, adjunct professor and university trustee.”

A 1995 graduate of the Kapalama campus, Chun holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education pedagogy and a master’s in education leadership, both from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy at the University of Utah.

“I am humbled to have the opportunity to return to the school that I love to serve the students, teachers and families of Kamehameha,” Chun said in a news release. “I chose education as a career because I find great joy in inspiring students to reach their goals.”

Chun previously was a consultant for Mana Academy Charter School in Utah and served as principal at Granite Park Junior High School, also in Utah. He currently is a trustee for Utah Valley University and an adjunct professor at the University of Utah and Argosy University.

Chun will replace Earl Kim, who stepped down at the end of last school year after five years in the position.

KAUAI

Nene goslings were killed by passing cars, DLNR says

Two of three goslings belonging to a family of nene that grazes near the Hanalei Bridge on Kauai were killed last week by cars as the birds tried to cross the highway, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Monday.

The goslings and their parents were featured in a DLNR video distributed to the media Dec. 28 to remind drivers to slow down for the geese, which cross the highway between the Hanalei River and a refuge. They were shown nibbling on grass alongside a busy highway where yellow nene crossing signs are posted.

The goslings were flightless, unable to fly until 10 to 12 weeks old. The adults are also flightless during a molting period this time of year, “making them especially vulnerable for car strikes and predation at this time of the year,” said DLNR biologist Jean Olbert. “Many of these deaths are preventable if drivers would simply heed warning signs, slow down and exercise caution in areas where Nene families commonly breed, nest and raise their young.”

Most nene road deaths on Kauai occur December to April near the Hanalei Bridge and the Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge.