An eighth-grade student from Sacred Hearts School has been named the Maui County grand prize winner in the 26th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Awards.
Kaizan Munemitsu was selected from more than 340 entries for his poem reflecting the contest’s themes of peace, hope, and justice. The awards ceremony took place Sunday at the University of Hawai‘i–Maui College, where students recited their poems before an audience of community leaders, educators, and families.
“We’re happy to receive work of this caliber from this young Maui poet,” said Melinda Gohn, coordinator of the awards and a representative of the International Peace Poem Project, which sponsors the annual competition.
As grand prize winner, Munemitsu received a congratulatory certificate from Gov. Josh Green and an original painting donated by Maui pop artist Davo, symbolizing the themes of “Hope” and “Love.”
The event was attended by Leon Bolosan, Gov. Green’s Maui representative, and Jade Rojas-Litisie, executive assistant with the Maui County Office of Economic Development, representing Mayor Richard Bissen. Both participated in presenting awards to the student poets.
In total, 49 student finalists were honored with certificates from Mayor Bissen and a limited-edition commemorative poster featuring the Hōkūle‘a, a traditional double-hulled Polynesian voyaging canoe. The image was donated by photographer Na‘alehu Anthony in collaboration with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and ʻŌiwi TV.
In addition to the student awards, King Kamehameha III Elementary School teacher Cassandra Coonradt was named the 2025 Maui Dr. King Peace Poem Teacher of the Year. Coonradt was recognized for her long-standing commitment to the competition and her encouragement of student participation. She received a gubernatorial certificate and a signed print from Maui artist Joelle C.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Poetry Competition invites public and private school students across Maui to reflect on the legacy of the civil rights leader, who advocated for nonviolence and social equality. The annual contest encourages youth to engage with Dr. King’s message through the literary arts.
