In Parts I and II of this series, I shared reflections guided by the wisdom of our kūpuna and the values they instilled in us about service, humility, and our shared kuleana to the lāhui.
As we think about the kind of Hawaiʻi we hope to leave for our children and grandchildren, those lessons continue to guide the work that matters profoundly, like strengthening housing stability, growing and protecting our trust fund and assets, investing in education, and supporting the next generation of our lāhui.
One of the greatest challenges facing Native Hawaiian families today is housing. Too many of our people are being priced out of the communities where generations before them were raised, forcing families to leave Hawaiʻi in search of affordable living elsewhere.
For Native Hawaiians, this is deeply personal because Hawaiʻi is more than just a place to live. The ʻāina is our culture, traditions, practices, and identity as a people.
Housing programs initialed by the state, like kauhale communities, have provided much needed immediate relief, dignity, and hope for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity.
OHA must continue creating long-term pathways toward stability and homeownership for our Kānaka. Expanding affordable housing opportunities, supporting key partnerships, and advocating for responsible development are critical to helping Native Hawaiian families remain here at home. Supporting and growing housing opportunities must remain a priority if we want future generations to live, work, and raise their families in Hawaiʻi.
Investing in our future also means protecting the resources that will sustain our lāhui for generations to come. The Native Hawaiian Trust Fund assets are nearing $1 billion dollars, and protecting those assets has required discipline, careful planning, and long-term thinking. We strengthened investment policies, diversified asset classes, adapted to changing markets, and remained focused on long-term stability.
This work is about more than numbers. It is about creating opportunities for future generations, acquiring income-producing assets, and preserving legacy lands and cultural sites that keep our connection to our lands.
Protecting our financial resources must also create direct benefits for our communities. Investments in housing, small business support, workforce development, and cultural preservation strengthen our lāhui and create opportunities for future generations. We have a responsibility not only to protect what we inherited, but to leave something stronger for those who follow us.
Education remains equally important, especially as many Hawaiian-focused charter schools continue facing uncertainty from federal funding cuts and ongoing financial challenges. These schools help preserve the pillars of our strategic plan, Mana i Mauli Ola, which are ʻohana, moʻomeheu, and ʻāina, while creating learning environments where Native Hawaiian students feel connected, supported, and proud of who they are.
Supporting our youth must also extend beyond the classroom. I strongly believe youth sports and mentorship programs build confidence, discipline, teamwork, and healthy relationships for our keiki. Coaches, mentors, and community programs often become extended ʻohana, providing guidance and positive role models that stay with our children throughout their lives. These investments strengthen both families and communities.
As I reflect on the future ahead, I continue to believe deeply in the strength, resilience, and spirit of our lāhui. For me, this work has always been personal. It is about ensuring our children and grandchildren can live here in Hawaiʻi, stay connected to their culture, and feel proud of where they come from.
I remain immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and will continue doing my best to help build a stronger future for our lāhui for generations to come. Mahalo.
