After a remarkable 43-year career in education, including 27 years at Salt Lake Elementary School, Principal Duwayne F. Abe retired on July 1, 2025. Principal Abe's unwavering commitment to the students of Hawaii has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, particularly within the Moanalua Complex.
A graduate of Waipahu High School, Principal Abe earned both his Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education and his Master of Education from the University of Hawaii. His journey in education began with teaching roles at Barber's Point Elementary (1985-1986), Nanakuli Elementary School (1986-1988), and Mililani Uka (1988-1994). He then transitioned into administration, serving as a Cohort Intern at Mililani Mauka Elementary School and later as Vice Principal at Mililani Uka for three years.
Principal Abe's impactful leadership at Salt Lake Elementary School began in 1998 as Vice Principal, and he assumed the role of Principal in January 2002. Since September 2002, he has also served as the Moanalua Complex Chairperson. In his retirement letter to parents and students, Principal Abe described the decision to leave Salt Lake Elementary as "the hardest decision of my life," highlighting his deep affection for the school, which he considered home for 27 years. He expressed how he will "miss our students the most, they have been the joy of my life and the reason I work so hard."
Throughout his career, Principal Abe has been a tireless advocate for students, striving to provide them with the best opportunities to succeed. His motto, "Do whatever it takes for students," encapsulates his dedication. He is recognized for fostering academic excellence and creating effective educational systems to meet the diverse needs of students. An example of his innovative approach is the English Language Learner (ELL) program at Salt Lake Elementary, which saw a significant decrease in the ELL student population from 25% to 14% due to his efforts in increasing staffing and support.
Principal Abe's outstanding contributions have been recognized both locally and nationally. He was a Masayuki Tokioka Award Nominee in both 2007 and 2014, an award that acknowledges exemplary public-school principals. In 2014, he was named the Central District Distinguished Principal and subsequently received the prestigious National Distinguished Principal award, an honor for which he was celebrated in Washington D.C. In 2020, he was also an honoree at the 16th Annual Kina'ole Awards Banquet, recognized as a career educator and an enduring supporter of Moanalua High School and the broader Moanalua/Salt Lake community. As Principal Abe embarks on his retirement, he leaves Salt Lake Elementary School "much better than I found it," full of "Dolphin P.R.I.D.E!" He states, "I will always be a Dolphin and will be here in spirit each and every day. I will truly miss this special 'place'." His legacy of leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student success will undoubtedly continue to inspire the Salt Lake Elementary community and beyond.