As your Oʻahu Island Trustee and Chair of the Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment Committee, I had the honor of hosting, alongside our Board Chair Hulu Lindsey, four well-attended community meetings and eight site visits, with a focus on homestead communities. Mahalo nui to Chair Lindsey, Interim CEO Colin Kippen, OHA staff, and my Akaka Team for all your support.
Our meetings and site visits gave opportunities to stay on the pulse of the needs and concerns of our Hawaiian community and see and hear how we can further collaborate with organizations supporting our beneficiaries.
Waiʻanae (8/29/23)
Site Visits:
- King Lunalilo Trust, Nā Pua a Lunalilo – Māʻili Kitchen
- Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
Presentations:
- King Lunalilo Trust, Nā Pua a Luna- lilo- Māʻili Kitchen – Tammy Smith, Director of Kitchens, Nā Pua a Lunalilo and Keolamaikalani Dean, CEO, King Lunalilo Trust.
- Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) – Kali Watson, Chairman
- Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center – Landen Muasau, Dr. Stephen Bradley, and Dr. Kyle “Kaliko” Chang
- ʻElepaio Social Services – Alicia Higa and Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiʻinohomoku
Waiʻanae Economic Development Council- Joe Lapilio and Dan Gomes
Nā Kama Kai – Matt Kauwe
Mahalo nui to Alicia Higa, Jesse Mikasobe-Kealiʻinohomoku, Kenny Paresa, Nicki Hasegawa, Kaliko Chang, Aunty Nalani Benioni, Chef Kamoa Quitevis, Chef Mark Kaʻahaʻaina, and the Waiʻanae High School Culinary Program for all of their assistance.
Papakōlea (9/28/23)
Site Visits:
- FITTED Hawaiʻi
- Hale Makana O Mōʻiliʻili
Development Presentations:
- Ikenakea Development – Patti Tancayo, General Partner
- DHHL – Kalani Fronda, Special Projects Team Lead
- Papakōlea Development Corporation – Lilia Kapuniai, Executive Director
Kapolei (10/17/23)
Site Visits:
- Hale Kipa
- Ulu Aʻe Learning Center
Presentations
- Hale Kipa – Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros, CEO
- Ulu Aʻe Learning Center – Mikiʻala Lidstone, Executive Director
- Kapolei Community Development Corporation – Aunty Homelani Schaedel
Waimānalo (11/7/23)
Site Visits:
- College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources (CTAHR)
- Hui Mālama O Ke Kai
Presentations:
- Mālama Honua Public Charter School – Denise Espania, Poʻo Kula
- Truth is Now – Ashley Mahaʻa, CEO & Founder
- DHHL – Kalani Fronda, Special Projects Team Lead
Mahalo to all the presenters and those who attended the meetings in-person and on livestream.
I wish you the very best during this holiday season. Enjoy the precious time that is shared with ʻohana and friends as we recharge and get ready for another busy and exciting year! Mele Kalikimaka a Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!
