Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 8, 1 August 2001 — Clyde Namuʻo brings 31 years of government experience and a passion to serve the community as OHA's administrator [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Clyde Namuʻo brings 31 years of government experience and a passion to serve the community as OHA's administrator

By Manu Boyd When Clyde William Nāmu'o accepted the post as administrator of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, he Ieft behind more than 30 years with the State Judiciary, a tenure he enjoyed immensely. The former deputy administrative director of the courts heeame OHA's 1 1 th administrator, effective Aug. 1, joining the 20-year roster with Edwin Auld, T.C. Yim,

Benjamin Henderson (interim), Kamaki Kanahele, Richard Paglinawan, Dante Carpenter, Linda Colburn, Sesnita Moepono (interim), Randall Ogata and Ron Mun (interim). At the July 12 OHA Board of Trustees meeting, an outpouring of support for Nāmu'o's selection as administrator eame from colleagues and community members. "He is a bright, articulate, trustworthy and considerate individual coupled with a pleasing personality," said retired

Chief Justice Herman Lum. Dr. Patsy Izumo, 39-year D.O.E. veteran and director of St. Clement's School, offered her support. "I ean say without doubt that I would always weleome Clyde Nāmu'o with his skills, experience, credibility, professionalism, education and positive attitude that ensure he'd be an asset to any organization and profession," said Izumo. Nāmu'o is no stranger to marathon See NĀMU'O on page 10

lnterim Administrator Ron Mun and newiy appointed Administrator Clyde Nōmu'o ot the OHA Board table July 12. Photo: Monu 8oyd

NĀMU'O from page 1

Nāmu'o is no stranger to marathon meetings and full ealendars, and welcomes the opportunity to work with the Board of Trustees. "I look forward to it. The issues that the board take up are near and dear to me. Housing for Hawaiians, health issues, the number of Hawaiians who are in the criminal justice system — those are all areas I have a real interest in. 'l'm here because I have a real passion for Hawaiian issues. I think federal recognition right now is most crucial. I realize that it's controversial and that some Hawaiians object to the notion of federal recognition.' — Clyde Nāmu'o "I'm here because I have a real passion for Hawaiian issues," Nāmu'o said. "I think federal recognition right now is most crueial. I realize that it's controversial and that some Hawaiians object to the nohon of federal recognition. I

tend to be a practical kind of person. The notion of entitlements becomes clearer in light of federal recognition for Hawaiians as a native people. We need to be practical right now, and the practical matter is improving the plight of Hawaiians. "We need to be thoughtful as we move forward. The tendency may be to move ahead without an understanding of what has happened in the past, or without a clear vision for the future. We'll move as quickly as is appropriate. I want the beneficiaries to be comfortable with what OHA is doing, and have a voice. Have we been aggressive enough in soliciting their input? With all the challenges facing Hawaiians, we really need to solicit their input." With ancestral ties to Kona, Hawai'i, the Nāmu'o family grew up at Pūowaina in Honolulu. Nāmu'o's father passed away when he was three years old, and he was raised by his mother. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1969, Nāmu'o earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. Nāmu'o's wife, Pauline, is a deputy director for the Department of Public Safety. The Nāmu'o's have two sons: Clyne Gill Hanalei, 24, who recently accepted a job on the mainland and resides in San Diego; and Clynton William, 17, a senior at Punahou School. ■