Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 12, 1 December 2003 — Holiday wishes for laughter, joy and unity for the OHA family and all Hawaiians [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Holiday wishes for laughter, joy and unity for the OHA family and all Hawaiians

At this time I would like to wish you, our OHA family, a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! May your holiday season be filled with those things I remember as a child; sharing the simple things in life with family and friends; an exchange of home-made guava jelly for an empty mayonnaise jar of almond cookies with the red dot on top; or Aunty's hanana bread exchanged

for the homemade pot holders made from left over material patched together. Take the time to remember the true reason for the season whieh is to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. On my Christmas wish list this year is that all Hawaiians benefit from programs offered through the Akaka Bill, Kamehameha Schools, OHA and DHHL. We understand the importance of our struggle

towards the advancing of our Hawaiian people through these important venues. We will continue to support all Hawaiian programs that advance the betterment of Hawaiians. My wish for you this holiday season is that as Hawaiians we ean move together in unity, towards that goal. May your holiday season be filled with all things that make the season bright. May laughter fill your

homes and joy fill your hearts. May your table abound with good food and your family embrace eaeh other in thankfulness for being together not only in this holiday season but throughout the year. Embrace the love of your family and the wisdom of your kupuna. Pray for the healing of our Hawaiian people that God will heal our hearts and land and surround us with His peaee. ■

Donald B. Cataluna

Vice Chair, Trustee, Kaua'i and Ni'ihau