On May 3rd, 2012, Governor Neil Abercrombie designated Kealoha as the first official poet laureate of Hawaiʻi. The position of poet laureate is an ancient tradition, dating back to the first days of classical civilization, associating "laurel" with proficiency in arts and poetry. The duties of a state poet laureate include:
- promoting the reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry among the general public
- leading poetry workshops
- organizing and participating in reading series
- visiting local schools
- attending conferences
- composing poems for state occasions and other government events
- representing Hawaiʻi at ceremonial events held nationally and internationally
- promoting the reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry among the general public
- leading poetry workshops
- organizing and participating in reading series
- visiting local schools
- attending conferences
- composing poems for state occasions and other government events
- representing Hawaiʻi at ceremonial events held nationally and internationally
