Diamond & Hurley for a Revitalized Saint Louis Alumni
Association
Honoring Nearly 200 Years of Legacy, Transitioning to a Stronger Future
ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN
David K. Diamond and Ryan D. Hurley are running together for the St. Louis Alumni Association (SLAA) Board of Directors, united by a shared vision for the future of the SLAA. Their campaign focuses on increasing membership, enhancing property management, and fostering a stronger relationship with the school. They are committed to engaging alumni across generations, emphasizing inclusivity and active participation over merely collecting dues. Their primary goal is to boost SLAA membership, particularly among younger alumni.
​
David and Ryan believe that attracting younger members requires a focus on participation and engagement, making everyone feel welcome and valued. By fostering a sense of community and involvement, they aim to ensure the SLAA remains vibrant and relevant for future generations. Their vision emphasizes a transparent and sustainable approach to managing the SLAA, including its real estate assets. With several leases expiring soon, they advocate for clear long-term planning to keep the association's properties under its sole ownership in perpetuity.
​
Additionally, David and Ryan stress the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the school. Their campaign focuses on improving communication and collaboration within the alumni network. They plan to enhance engagement through regular events, community service projects, and clear communication channels. By promoting active participation and fostering a collaborative spirit, they aim to strengthen the bonds between alumni and support the growth of the St. Louis community. Their commitment to these policies reflects their dedication to the long-term success and vitality of the St. Louis Alumni Association.
They believe the SLAA's role as a check and balance in the school's operations is crucial and must be preserved. This includes continuing the tradition of having two full-voting trustee slots on the school’s board, ensuring the alumni’s voice is always represented in important decisions
.
David and Ryan believe that by working together and focusing on these key areas, they can make a significant positive impact on the association and its members. They ask for your support and vote to help them achieve these goals and ensure a bright future for the SLAA.
Get to Know Ryan & David
Ryan D. Hurley '00
A proud first-generation Crusader
Ryan graduated with the Class of 2000. The St. Louis community laid the groundwork for his career as a community and good government attorney. During his years at St. Louis School (SLS), he was instilled with humility, integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. These principles guided him through roles at the State Auditor’s Office, the Public Utilities Commission, and the State Energy Office. As a private practice attorney, he now represents community and Native Hawaiian groups in environmental and Native Hawaiian rights actions.
​
Since graduation, Ryan has remained deeply involved with the School and the St. Louis Alumni Association (SLAA). His roles include:
​
-
SLS assistant paddling coach (2011-present)
-
SLAA audit committee Chair (2018-2020)
-
SLAA membership committee Chair (2020-2022)
Ryan also organized the “Save Saint Louis JROTC Program” group in 2015 and worked to raise awareness of notable alums like Joseph Kahahawai Jr. Ryan also helped bring the short film “Hawaiian Soul” about alumnus George Helm (Class of 1968) to SLS students in 2021. At the SLAA, he collaborated to host drive-through toy donations, a “homecoming” celebration for UH football coach Timmy Chang (Class of 2000), and assisted with the ESPN radio show.
David K. Diamond
A third-generation Saint Louis Man
David graduated with the Class of 1980, is running for one of the three open seats on the St. Louis Alumni Association (SLAA) Board of Directors. Pictured with him is his grandson, Aukahi Patoc (SLS 2030), the family’s 5th generation Crusader.
​
David grew up in Niu Valley, Oahu, attending Aina Haina Elementary School and Niu Valley Intermediate before following his family's tradition by attending St. Louis High School. In 1982, he joined the Honolulu Police Department and retired in 2017 to become the Executive Director at SLAA. He and his wife have a blended family with five adult children and eleven grandchildren. Their youngest son, Kamalani Naholoholo, graduated from St. Louis School in 2015.
​
At the SLAA Nominations Meeting on June 19, 2024, Ryan Hurley '00 nominated David for the SLAA Board of Directors. In turn, Ryan was nominated by Malcolm Barcarse '97. David is honored to be nominated alongside Ryan Hurley ‘00 for the 2024 SLAA Board of Directors election. Their shared commitment to St. Louis and diverse experiences make them a strong team. David asks for your support and vote for both of them in this election.
Our Vision
Growing Younger Membership
As non-incumbent candidates seeking election to the SLAA board, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community. We recognize the need for balanced representation and fresh perspectives, particularly from younger alumni. That's why we're reaching out to all alumni to join and actively participate in our association.
​
Currently, Lifetime members, categorized as unpaid, comprise a significant majority of the SLAA membership. Between 2020 and 2023, this classification grew by 964 members, or 139%, while Regular (Paid) membership decreased by 131 members, or 33%. This imbalance can lead to a disproportionate influence on the outcome of elections, contradicting the principle of equal representation in democratic processes.
​
A fair election process is built on the premise that every member's vote carries equal weight. Lifetime membership, by its nature, disrupts this equilibrium, potentially leading to a situation where the voices of paid members and recent graduates are overshadowed by a historically entrenched group. Such a distortion runs counter to democratic principles and dilutes the value of individual votes.
​
The accompanying chart above, illustrates these membership trends from 2020 to 2023, highlighting the significant increase in Lifetime members and the decline in Regular and Recent Graduate memberships.
​
By electing us to the board, you can help bring new energy, ideas, and a diverse set of voices to SLAA. We are dedicated to ensuring that the interests and perspectives of all alumni, especially younger members, are fairly represented. Together, we can create a more equitable and vibrant future for our association. Vote for us and join us in shaping the future of SLAA. Your voice matters!
​
In order to grow Membership and participation, Diamond and Hurely propose the following:
​
-
Hold and sponsor events and gatherings that emphasize membership;
-
Establish a donation-based platform for all events and gatherings;
-
Create and fund ways to reach alumni on other islands, the continental US, and beyond through in-person gatherings, social media, Zoom, and livestreams;
-
Hold open and public monthly board meetings with opportunities for testimony and Q&A; and
-
Establish an open "Meet the Candidates" meeting during board elections, allowing members to learn about candidates' qualifications.
-
Change the makeup of the board of directors to seek and elect a representative from each decade of graduates.
These initiatives will complement our established annual alumni gatherings and events.
Protecting Real Estate Assets
The SLAA is unique due to its significant real estate holdings. With the upcoming lease expiration of the University branch of First Hawaiian Bank and the surge in planned development for the surrounding area, establishing a transparent, long-term asset management plan is paramount. David and Ryan fundamentally disagree with suggestions that the Association should divest itself of its property and move on campus.
​
Given the opportunities and challenges posed by these changes, it is crucial that SLAA's land assets remain solely owned by the Association in perpetuity. This ownership is fundamental to maintaining the Association's autonomy and ensuring decisions regarding future developments align with the long-term interests of SLAA and its members.
​
The expiration of the First Hawaiian Bank lease presents a timely opportunity to reassess and reinforce our commitment to full fee simple ownership of our properties. As development plans, including potential vertical expansion, are considered, it is imperative that such initiatives are contingent upon the Association's unwavering ownership of the underlying land.
​
By maintaining full control over our real estate assets, SLAA can better navigate the evolving landscape, ensuring that any development aligns with our values and long-term vision. This approach will provide stability, foster growth, and protect the legacy of the Saint Louis Alumni Association for future generations.
​
We believe that the current land assets should continue to be held by the Association and that the Association should seek to grow its real estate holdings. By saving a portion of the First Hawaiian Bank lease monies every month, we can develop a fund to purchase other properties. These properties can then be used to offer teachers low-cost housing options, helping to retain well-trained teachers at the school while also growing the asset base of the Association.
​
If elected, we would assess the development of small apartment units over the existing Association property, which could be rented out exclusively as low-cost housing for teachers from the school. These housing options are being explored and implemented by other schools in Hawaii. For St. Louis to maintain its status as an elite private school in Hawaii, both the school and the Association need to examine creating teacher retention options such as housing. We look forward to bringing these issues to the board and growing the Association's support for the school.
Reconnecting Alumni to Kalaepohaku
"I Ka Wa Ma Mua, I Ka Wa Ma Hope" - We Look to the Past to Guide Us to the Future
​
In 1845, King Kamehameha III granted land on the windward side of Oahu to the Fathers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. The following year, in 1846, St. Louis School was established as a college preparatory institution for male day students. In 2012, St. Louis School became the only all-male school in the State of Hawaii.
Campus Presence
​
"Imua a Na Poki’i a Inu I Ka Wai ‘Awa’awa A’hoe Hope E Ho’i Mai Ai" – Forward, my Brothers. We must move towards each goal together and unified; even with obstacles and challenges, we will learn and overcome.
​
To strengthen the bond between alumni and the school, we must have a visible, active, and engaging presence on the St. Louis School campus. This involves more than just occasional visits; it requires a continuous, organized effort to keep alumni informed and involved. We propose the following initiatives:
​
-
Regular Communication: Establish a system for providing alumni with regular updates on school events, achievements, and opportunities for involvement. This could include newsletters, emails, and social media updates.
-
Alumni Participation: Encourage alumni to attend and participate in school events, such as sports games, academic competitions, and cultural celebrations. Their presence will not only support current students but also reinforce the sense of community.
-
Mentorship Programs: Create formal mentorship programs where alumni can share their experiences and provide guidance to current students. This can help students navigate their academic and career paths while strengthening alumni ties to the school.
Traditions and Values
​
Our alumni association and St. Louis School share deep connections through many Hawaiian traditions and values. We aim to enhance these connections through meaningful initiatives:
​
-
Hale Mua (House of Men): We are in discussions to establish a Hale Mua, a place where males learn to decide what they want to do as men, grounded in Hawaiian traditions, values, and activities. This space will serve as a hub for cultural education and personal growth.
-
Cultural Events and Workshops: Organize events and workshops that celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and values. These activities can include traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling sessions, providing opportunities for alumni and students to connect and learn from one another.
-
Kalamaku Award: The creation of the "Kalamaku" award, presented by the SLAA at the annual Gallery of Distinguished Achievers (GODA) celebration, honors an alumnus who exemplifies the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. This award not only recognizes individual achievements but also reinforces the importance of continuity and tradition within our community.
By implementing these initiatives, we can ensure that our alumni remain an integral part of the St. Louis School community. Together, we will honor our past, strengthen our present, and build a brighter future for all.
​​