About
Meet the Team
Arlen Nagata, Athletics Director
Whether it's coaching or sitting down to a one on one chat, it doesn't take long to see Arlen's heart for students and ministry. If you haven't had a chance to meet him, be sure to say a quick hello the next time you're in the gym! Keep reading to get to know him a little better!
Where are you from/ what brought you to Hawaii?
I am born and raised in Hawaii. Went to college on the mainland, but always wanted to return home to live and work.
What first got you started in your career?
My background is in ministry. For 17 years, I served as a pastor at Christ’s Church in Kapolei. In that time, I was the youth pastor, children’s pastor, associate pastor, executive pastor, and senior pastor.
I have always had a heart for ministry since I became a Christian in High School. I saw the impact my youth leaders had on me and from that time, I decided I wanted to be in ministry. Over the years, this has meant serving in ministries like Youth for Christ, working in various churches, substitute teaching and being on staff in the DOE, and now working at Hanalani.
For me, Hanalani is a ministry and I am happy to serve the school and the students and hopefully lead them closer to Christ and a successful life through athletics.
What is something on campus that brings a smile to your face each day?
When I walk onto campus, it is a place that the peace of God rests. That is the first thing that brings a smile to my face, but next is the amazing artwork on the buildings that the students have created.
What are three words that people would use to describe you?
Calm, Dependable, Volleyball
What is your best personal achievement?
I have taken about 8 short term mission trips to Japan. And the fruit of those trips have been career missionaries, Christians who love Jesus and Japan, and countless Japanese citizens hearing the gospel and being transformed by the Word of God.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love going to the sporting events and watching our teams and individuals compete. Sometimes we win, sometime we lose, but you can always see the fruit of the efforts from their practice times.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an engineer like my dad.
What is your favorite part about interacting with students?
My favorite part is coaching the students and watching them learn new skills and gain mastery of skills including the life lessons that come with these skills.
Name a challenge you have overcome:
Learning to not be the boss. When you’re used to being in charge, it’s not easy adapting to being a part of a team and having less decision making power.
Fun fact about yourself:
My favorite color has always been purple.
Best piece of advice you can give:
Success develops daily, not in a day; and is governed by the choices you make each day.
