Palama Settlement is proud to announce the appointment of David Tautofi as the organization’s Pakolea Manager. In his new role, Tautofi will oversee all aspects of the Pakolea sports program at Palama Settlement.
Initiated in 1968, the Pakolea Program was created as a response to the low number of high school graduates from the Palama Settlement neighborhood. It was then called the Academic Achievement Program, based on the philosophy that sports participation could be motivation to enhance academic performance. In 1977, a social behavioral component was added to improve the interpersonal skills and relationships of the participants with their peers, parents, and community. Today, Pakolea focuses on positive character development, success in academics, and improvement in social-emotional well-being.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of Palama Settlement,” said David Tautofi, Pakolea Manager for Palama Settlement. “I look forward to working with the youth, their families, the communities, and leaders who have a genuine heart and interest in prioritizing and impacting the youth, preparing them for the future.”
Tautofi was formerly the varsity football head coach for Kaimuki High School where he was recognized as Oahu Interscholastic Association Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2019; Honolulu Star Advertiser Coach of the Year in 2019, and KHON2 Cover2 Coach of the Year in 2019. In his five seasons at Kaimuki High School, Coach Tautofi led Kaimuki to three championship appearances winning their first OIA Championship in 2019 and became the winningest coach in Kaimuki history.
Prior to his move back to Hawaii in 2015, Tautofi was an Athletic Director in Las Vegas building athletic programs in the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.
During his athletic career, Tautofi competed in football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and paddling at Kaimuki High School. He also played football for Missouri Valley College, Fresno City College, and as captain for the University of California – Los Angeles.
He also works with a number of local organizations on community outreach including food distributions, community improvement and engagement, and youth leadership development.
“We are so happy to welcome Mr. Tautofi to Palama Settlement,” said Sam Aiona, executive director of Palama Settlement. “His passion and experience in mentoring our community youth will be such a big asset to this program. We are looking forward to all Mr. Tautofi will bring to this program and to the lives of our student athletes.”
Established in 1896, Palama Settlement is a nonprofit, community-based social service agency serving the Kalihi and Palama neighborhoods. Palama offers a wide range of educational, recreational, athletic, cultural, social, health, and community building programs and services for children, youth, adults, and senior citizens. Palama Settlement’s mission is to partner with those who have the greatest needs in the community, empowering them to enhance their well-being through health, education, and recreation.
