Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 8, Number 1, 1 January 1991 — Hawaiian newsman 'Kenny' Haina dies [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian newsman 'Kenny' Haina dies

by Deborah Lee Ward Editor, Ka Wai Ola O OHA Long-time Hawai'i newsman Kenneth "Kenny" Samuel Kamaka Haina, 66, died on Dec. 3, 1990. He was the Hawaii State Public Library System information specialist. In his more than 38 years of experience in journalism and public relations, Haina put his heart, soul and eommon sense into developing informa-tion-packed newspapers. In addition to his duties as library spokesman, Haina was editor of the public library system's new tabloid-size "fyi" monthly newspaper, whieh he created less than a year after joining the library in August, 1988. John Penebacker, special assistant to the state librarian, was Haina's supervisor at the state library, but had known him since 1964 when both were at the Hawaii Government Employees Association. He said Haina made a major eontribution to the library system through developing the "fyi," newspaper, whieh brought a "fresh perspective" to the image of the library, and received "rave" reviews for its quality and content from library workers and patrons. "He had a nose for finding unique news," Penebacker said of Haina, noting that he excelled in bringing out the human side of the library services and thus increased staff morale. As in his previous jobs, Haina was noted to be the first worker in (an early riser, he typically started at 5 a.m.) and the last one out of the office. He also stuck with his old manual typewriter, preferring it to computer terminals. Penebacker said the state library plans to eontinue production of "fyi," though perhaps in a modified format. Before joining the library system, Haina was editor of the Ka Wai Ola O OHA for four years. While he was OHA editor, Haina was responsible for expanding the newspaper, setting a new format still in use, and developing it into a news and

feature-packed publication. His philosophy of the newspaper was "for, by and about Hawaiians." Haina was most proud that three articles of his were read into the Congressional Record by United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye. Haina was also editor and public relations officer of the Hawaii Government Employees Association newspaper for 13 years. He was a sportswriter for the Honolulu Advertiser for 10

years, and before that he covered sports and general news for the Hilo Tribune Herald (now Hawaii Tribune Herald) in Hilo. Haina graduated from Kent State University's journalism program in 1950, whieh he attended on the GI bill as the school's first Hawaiian student. He was fond of quoting his instructor's mandate, "Nothing short of right is right," and was known for his high journalism standards and strict adherence to deadlines. Haina was born in Hilo and was proud of his upbringing in the Keaukaha Hawaiian Homesteads, his "aina pulapula." He attended St. Mary's elementary school and graduated from Hilo High School in 1944. Haina was a strong proponent of education for Hawaiians, and perpetuation of the Hawaiian language, whieh he spoke fluently. He was a past president of the Frincess Ka'iulani Hawaiian Civic Club and was second vice-president of the O'ahu eouneil of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. Jalna Keala, association president, said Haina was respected by fellow civic club members, and always promoted and believed in Hawaiians, especially those in need. She noted he was a very hard worker who had held two jobs most of his life. Haina was also community-minded and served on the KaEhi-Palama neighborhood board and as a poll worker during elections for many years. Haina is survived by his wife, Mary Ku'ulei Haina, originally of Hana, Maui, and four children, all graduates of Kamehameha Schools: Kim T. Haina Wemke (KS 74), Kent M. (KS '76), Kye F. (KS '78), and Kris M. (KS '89). The three daughters live in California. Kris is a student at the University of Redlands. Son Kent is a pilot for United Air Lines and a former U.S. Air Force captain. Ka Wai Ola O OHA and the staff of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs extend their aloha and eondolences to "Kenny's" family.

Kenny Haina