Kali Fermantez

Kali Fermantez serves as Associate Professor of Hawaiian and Pacific Studies in the Faculty of Culture, Language and Performing Arts at Brigham Young University-Hawaii since 2009. Previously, she held faculty positions at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (2007-2009) and lecturing roles at multiple Hawai‘i community colleges. Her academic journey reflects deep commitment to Pacific Islander communities through teaching, research, and service within the LDS Church and local organizations.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Geography (2007), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, dissertation: "Re-Placing Hawaiians: Sense of Place and Identity in Wai‘anae"
• Graduate Certificates in Pacific Islands Studies (2007) and Cultural Studies (2005), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
• MS in Geography (1999), Brigham Young University, Provo
• BA in History and Pacific Islands Studies (1997), Brigham Young University, Lā‘ie

Dr. Fermantez specializes in Indigenous Geography and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander cultural studies. Her research examines:

• Native Hawaiian sense of place and identity formation
• Indigenous resistance in cultural representation (e.g., sports mascots)
• Polynesian masculinity in athletic contexts
• Decolonizing academic methodologies
• Transnational Pacific Islander communities
• Community-based participatory research models

Analysis of her publications (2004-2023) reveals three evolving research trajectories: (1) community geography in Wai‘anae; (2) critical examinations of indigenous representation; (3) Polynesian cultural expressions in sports. Her work consistently centers Native Hawaiian epistemologies while engaging with broader Pacific Islander experiences, demonstrating increasing focus on institutional symbolism and cultural continuity.

Recognition includes:

• Two Faculty Appreciation Awards (2011, 2014)
• Native Hawaiian Leadership Project Research Assistantship (2003-2005)
• US Community Forestry Dissertation Fellowship (2003-2004)
• Ongoing conference travel support (2012-present)

Though student advisees aren't listed, she has advised the LDS Student Association at UH Hilo and served on multiple program review committees. Her grant history features community-focused fellowships supporting Native Hawaiian leadership development and participatory research methodologies.

As former Program Coordinator for Hawaiian & Pacific Studies (2016-2021), she shaped curriculum development and program structure. She actively contributes to the Jonathan Nāpela Center and serves on the Iosepa Council, bridging academic work with community engagement through burial council service and youth sports coaching.