IMPORTANT UPDATE:

What we were not anticipating was to see SO MANY people from Lillie's community show up as much as they have. This speaks volumes about the impact Lillie had and is still having on the communities that knew her. As the donations continue to roll in with abundance, we want to create space for love to do something incredible. Any donation made beyond the initial $3,500 will be put towards a #LiveLikeLillie fund that will be used to uplift, support, encourage, and empower the students and families of Kealakehe Elementary. We thank you for your continued support of our keiki.

DESCRIPTION:

As some of you have learned, when we heard about Lillie Konttinen's tragic passing, we lost a community member, a fellow educator, and a friend. She was a vital member of our community who moved through life with a gentleness yet fearlessness that made her uniquely special. Her love and dedication to her students was unmatched. She was protective yet encouraging and supportive. She was a lovable person who listened and shared her perspectives graciously.

The ocean was a place to calm her, to energize her, and to balance her. It is painful to know she only lived 29 years, but also knowing she died in her most beloved place, the ocean, may bring some peace to her loved ones. She was drawn to the sea and her connection to manta rays. They were her spirit animal, her aumakua. Manta rays and she had similar qualities like gracefulness, strength, and protection. We hope to honor Lillie with a manta ray art memorial at Kealakehe Elementary School that the students, family, staff, and community can pay tribute to for years.

Unfortunately, as a Title 1 school, we cannot use school funds and are asking the public for assistance to make this memorial come to life. We already have a local artist who, with the help of some others, has a vision of a massive manta ray with smaller ones following her lead. This art memorial would be on the wall surrounding her past classroom. This cost is roughly $3,500, and we ask for your help. Her loved ones and her community thank you for considering.

#LiveLikeLillie