Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 17, Number 12, 1 December 2000 — May the trust and participation of beneficiaries keep us on our toes, keep us real [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

May the trust and participation of beneficiaries keep us on our toes, keep us real

T IS the holiday season. That time of the year, whieh arrives shortly after the general election. It is a time for hope and a time of gratitude. And while the eleetion is over, I would be remiss if F|r "il" "llHil ' llil il '

I did not aeknowledge all that this campaign has given to. and the hope that it inspires in, me. I have seen the future in young ambitious candidates like Crayne Akina and Orrin Kupau. In this time when my generation is often criticized for not showing any interest in public service, it is encouraging to meet and have discussions

with people like them, people who are willing to take an active role in it. I wish them, and every young person

with poliheal aspirations, the best of luek. It is my hope that they stay involved, and my commitment to meet with the younger politicians to see what we ean do to get more young people

involved, as they are the future of Hawai'i. I have met with the current board of trastees that I will have the privilege to be working with, and am impressed with all that they have to offer. Having known and admired many of them growing up, I am honored to serve with them on this board. From sovereignty to despicable efforts to eradicate the office, we face many great challenges. The history of this great plaee, Hawai'i, is made up of chapters of eommon people, impas-

sioned by their beliefs and united against seemingly insurmountable odds. I have no doubt that this board has the talent, passion and vision to meet these ehal-

lenges. Unification, however, is essential to move us forward. This millennium, it is my hope that we all start off with a elean slate and on eommon ground. Let us forget the disagreements of the past

and focus on the shared dreams for the future. We have always been on the same side, let's get on the same page. finally, the most important thing this campaign has given me was the ehanee to meet on a large scale with the people I now serve. These past months you have opened your hearts to me and told me your concerns. By sharing your hopes and dreams you have touched my life more than you will ever know, and I could not thank you enough. Now that the election is over it is my hope that you will stand together with us trastees and support the Office of Hawaiian Affairs in the face of adversitv. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs

must endure. Keep your dreams and concerns alive in our hearts and minds. Keep us on our toes. Keep us real. Mahalo nui loa. ■

In this time when my generation is often criticized for not showing any interest in puhlie service, it is encouraging to meet and have discussions with people like them (Cravne Akina, Orrin Kupau), people who are willing to take an active role in it.

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