Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 10, 1 October 1998 — ʻ98 candidates in focus [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻ98 candidates in focus

The views and opinions expressed in ' 98 candidates infocus are of the individual candidates and do not necessarily reflect those of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Why do you want to be an OHA trustee? It would be an honor to serve. It would allow me to continue my family tradition to help Hawaiian people in the community when, at times, it does appear that we are forgotten. We need to p>erpetuate our rich culture for Hawaiian people and others. The interest must be a continuous effort. As someone who was born, raised and has a family on Maui, my roots are strong and solid. It is an exciting time for us to do things. We must set our course with focus and direction. We must stay the course, for many obstacles will be presented. We must work uniformly, to work toward solidarity for equity for our land whieh remains precious and sacred. What qualities would you bring to the position? People have labeled me with qualities such as honest, forthright, willing to assist people in their lives, integrity, deep eoneem about our heritage and to avoid any loss. I have a total commitment to our Hawaiian community with Hale 'Ike and Nā Kai 'Ewalu Canoe Club. My long-term career in the law enforcement community where I worked to better the

lives of people who broke the law, upon incarceration, and to help them seek employment or create a better life. My military service in the United States Marine Corps whereby my brother and I served our country well. One did not eome back but was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Other efforts included Association for Retarded Citizens, 1 966 to present; Ka Lāhui Hawai'i, 1987 to present; Pukalani Association, 1 974 to present. Maui Leathemecks, 1989 to present. What do you consider the most important issues confronting the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and/or the Hawaiian people? There are, to me, several important issues. 1 ) Create, develop, initiate and maintain efforts required to mold firmly solidarity in OHA. 2) Establish, set up, continue and improve specific goals with objectives and a time ffame. 3) Perpetuate Hawaiian Ianguage and our rich eulture. 4) Help with health issues for our people. 5) Go out to the people in the community, not to stay in the office. Listen, understand. act. As an OHA trustee, how would

you resoive those concerns? There are no easy quick solutions to solve concems noted. If there were, problems would be memories: 1 ) Listen to better understand to act on issues that ean be solved on a short-term basis versus the long-term gain needed. A timetable is critical so the issue does not escape our efforts. 2) Work with others within a framework of the present system. Yet, if better changes ean be developed, do not hold back to express them. 3) Prioritize the issues. Represent some solutions and do not seek to resolve ALL at the same time. 4) Establish an agenda, with support of others, on how solutions to problems may occur. 5) Alleviate, reduce or eliminate the self-importance factor and concentrate on tasks that will help our people obtain what is really needed. If you could only accomplish one goal as an OHA trustee, what would rt be? Solidarity of OHA with our Hawaiian people to improve their lives and their families for a better, stronger, culturallybased state. Hopefully you have obtained a good snapshot of my concems and efforts to

The facts are: Hawaiians in Hawai'i have the highest poverty rate; the highest prison population; the highest dmg and aleohol consumption rate; and the worst health statistics of any other group in the state. "I promise to do my best to work with other OHA trustees and concemed citizens to provide assistance with these problems." Samuel Kalalau III was bom, raised and currently resides in Hāna on the island of Maui. The single father of two sons, Sam is a Vietnam War Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airbome Division. He has worked as a constmction supervisor for the County of Maui in Hāna for the past 1 7 years. Sam's major concems are that OHA should be the vehicle for opportunity for Hawaiian people to vote on issues eonceming their needs, and that Hawaiian Homelands, state ceded lands and hui lands should not be bound by federal, state and county land use referendums.

Sam's community involvement is extensive, and includes: • Council member, Lāna'i-Maui Burial Council, State of Hawai'i, 1991-1998; • County Council candidate, East Maui, 1994 and 1996; • Board of Directors, Hāna Museum and Cultural Center, 1994 - present; • Commissioner, Maui County Grants Review Commission, 1996 - present; • Commissioner, Maui County Board of Variance and Appeals, 1995 - 1996; • Board of directors, Hāna Community Health Center, 1997 - present; • Board of Directors and vice chair, East Maui Taro Festival, 1995 - present; • 20-year involvement (member, Board of Director and Head Coach), Hāna Canoe Club; • Founder and vice chair, Hāna Affordable Housing and Community Development Corporation, 1998 - present; • Acting president, player agent and chief umpire, Hāna Little League, 1995 - present.

m- m • Member, Pā Ku'i A-ho-lo, 1994 - present; • 1 8-year involvement (president, eofounder) of the non-profit Pōhaku Corp. for diversified agricultural development. Why do you want to be an OHA trustee? To continue giving of my time, efforts, experiences, knowledge, mana'o and my pono, and to create a more positive and productive force working for the people in a non-adversarial manner. What do you consider the most important issues confronting the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and/or the Hawaiian people? Most important is for all Hawaiian people to become registered voters and vote. The power and freedom to select your leaders and your independence of government is within your very own hands. ■

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