Keliʻihoʻomalu and Walker Receive Alakaʻi Awards

Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) Trustee Aide Remy Keliʻihoʻomalu and Land and Integrated Assets Interim Director Lori Walker are OHA’s latest Alakaʻi Award recipients.

This award is presented quarterly to two OHA staff who embody the organization’s values through their action, leadership and decision-making. The Alakaʻi Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate commitment to OHA’s mission and who consistently go “above and beyond.” Awardees are nominated by their coworkers.

Keliʻihoʻomalu, serves as an aide to Trustee Keliʻi Akina and is described as someone who lives OHAʻs core values: she is inclusive and a team player, she is respectful, compassionate, and leads by example, and she shows up every day with purpose and vision.

A colleague writes that “Remy inspires others through her perseverance, compassion and authenticity, uplifting those around her. She listens deeply, offers support without hesitation, and leads with both humor and heart.”

Her coworkers find say she offers thoughtful feedback and balances her many tasks with grace. “Remy shows that strength and kindness can coexist and sets the tone for a positive, collaborative work environment.”

Walker started at OHA nearly 10 years ago as an analyst. She was later promoted to manager for the Land and Integrated Assets Department, and now serves as its interim director. Her team says she a compassionate, accessible leader who models both excellence and humility.

For years, Walker has been the steadfast foundation of OHA’s land department, gracefully balancing her regular kuleana as a manager with the additional responsibility of serving as its interim director for the past year – something at which she has excelled, securing millions in project funding and boosting lease revenues to advance land acquisition and development initiatives.

“She has fostered a culture grounded in laulima, lōkahi, lokomaikaʻi and kūlia – values deeply reflected in the way she mentors, supports and uplifts her team. Lori’s unwavering commitment to OHA and its mission inspires those around her,” said a colleague.

Congratulations and mahalo nui to Remy and Lori for your dedication and commitment to our lāhui!