Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 5, 1 May 1987 — Qualities of Character Spelled Out [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Qualities of Character Spelled Out

"As I look at this man, I see qualities of character 1 admire: moral fiber, honesty, integrity, principles, probity, and rectitude. As I look at Alu Like, I see many of the same qualities demonstrated in its work over the nearly dozen years of its existence." This was the observation made of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole by David Hanaloa Helela, president and chief executive officer of Alu Like Ine . , as guest speaker during the 116th birthday anniversary of Hawaii's beloved Prince March 26 at Mauna 'Ala services. In going over some thoughts from Kuhio's life whieh are recognized and employed by Alu Like today, Helela called him "an extraordinary Hawaiian." "He was effective in Congress . . . possessed qualities and lived a life of values worthy of emulation," Helela noted. The guest speaker, who succeeded Winona Rubin when she was appointed by Governor John David Waihee III to head the Department of Social Services and Housing, observed further: "Kuhio was known to have lived, labored and died, earnestly striving in every way within his power to educate, elevate and perpetuate his race. Likewise, Alu Like's mission of assistinq native Hawaiians in develop-

ing eeonomie and social self-sufficiency through job training and education programs, eeonomie development and assistance in matters of health, housing and native rights strive for the same goals. "Like Kuhio did, Alu Like works within established systems to educate people everywhere about Hawaiian needs, to secure for Hawaiians all beneficial appropriations, federal and otherwise, and to prepare native Hawaiian rights. "And finally like Kuhio, Alu Like has conducted itself in an exceedingly modest, quiet, unassuming and gentle manner."

Helela futher noted that "as Kuhio found, one eompetes successfully only with dignity and with respect for others. I believe that organizations such as Alu Like may guarantee success if their system of values include aloha, humility, spirituality, generosity and graciousness, some of a list of Hawaiian values suggested by • George Kanahele in his book, 'Ku Kanaka.' " Helela said he plans to take the same course as Mrs. Rubin in leading Alu Like. He lauded his predecessor "and a very supportive board of directors." A prqduct of Molokai'i homestead land, Helela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from the University of Nebraska and a Master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg State College in Pennsylvania. He also attended the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. Waihee was introduced and spoke very briefly. He w?s the scheduled speaker later in the day at another Kuhio program marking the 10th anniversary of the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building. Music was furnished by the sponsoring Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club choral group and the Royal Hawaiiap Band under Bandmaster Aaron Mahi. Among other dignitaries in attendance were members of the Kawananakoa family — Mrs. Regina Bartels and her nephew, Quinton Kawananakoa — Mrs. Joyce Fasi, wife of Mayor Frank Fasi, and various Hawaiian societies and Hawaiian Civic Clubs. The Rev. Charles P. Kaleikoa of St. George's Catholic Church in Waimanalo gave the invocation and lay pastor Meali'i Kalama of Kawaiaha'o Church gave the closing prayer. Roy Benham served as master of ceremonies and Lila Medeiros provided the weleome address and introduced guests.

David Hanaloa Helela

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Oahu Trustee Clarence F.T. Ching ascends stairway after placing his ho'okupu.