HONOLULU (HI Now) - Dr. Diane Paloma, President & CEO of Hawaii Dental Service (HDS), brings more than leadership to the table—she brings a deep connection to culture and community. A recent conversation with Drake Delaforce, Secretary-Treasurer of the ILWU Local 142 Hawaii Longshore Division, revealed a powerful shared passion: hula. The two met at a convention and quickly bonded over their love for hula and the many kumu hula who have shaped their lives.
Their connection is especially meaningful, as it reflects the longstanding relationship between HDS and the Hawaii Stevedores—HDS’s very first customer in 1962. That early partnership, which began by providing dental coverage to union members’ children, helped lay the foundation for HDS’s mission to serve Hawaii’s communities with care and aloha.
Kumu Drake Delaforce’s hula journey is rooted in deep tradition. He began under the guidance of the legendary Aunty Aloha Dalire of Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka and continued his studies with Uncle Kimo Alama Keaulana. With nearly two decades of learning, he eventually founded Hālau Keolakapuokalani, which blossomed from a family gathering into a thriving hālau that has graced the stage of the biggest hula festival in Hilo.
As both Dr. Paloma and Drake Delaforce know well, preparing for the hula festival is both exhilarating and intense. It’s a blend of discipline, storytelling, and heart. A healthy smile plays a crucial role—not just in performance, but in the way dancers express emotion and share the spirit of aloha with their audience.
So whether you’re taking the stage or cheering from the crowd, HDS reminds everyone to keep their smile hula festival-ready: brush twice a day, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Through culture, care, and community, HDS continues to honor its roots—one healthy smile at a time.
For more information, visit hawaiidentalservice.com
Copyright 2025 KHNL. All rights reserved.