Fragile glass has cracked, creating an unexpected and intriguing ripple in a sculpture of the sun setting into the Pacific. Some artists would label their work a failure after examining the broken piece. Most people would also consider their day a bad one after being stung by a jellyfish. Gary Ackerman is not most people.

Nā Pe‘a is a youth program that focuses on the fundamentals of strong leadership, and effective stewardship of land and marine resources by perpetuating the Hawaiian sailing canoe’s traditions and practices. In Nā Pe‘a, the canoe brings into focus a global recognition and connection, and teaches students to think about challenges outside themselves and how individual actions impact entire communities.

Hailing from Maui, Stan made his debut singing leo ki‘eki‘e on stage when he was 12 years old. Although it was his beautiful falsetto style that garnered him fame, it was his ability to connect that endeared “Uncle Stan” to Hawai‘i residents and visitors alike. The message of his songs lives on in the hearts of the many he touched through his music: share your gift with the world and use it to connect with others.