Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 10, 1 October 2008 — OHA's Warriors: Haunani Apoliona and Colette Machado [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

OHA's Warriors: Haunani Apoliona and Colette Machado

Walter M. Heen TrustEE, O'ahu

Hawai'i's historical skies are strewn with galaxies composed of strong women leaders dedicated to the welfare of their people: Ka'ahumanu, Kapi'olani, Emma and Pauahi, just to name a few. They were what I eall the "wahine warriors" of old. Two modern-day warriors deserve a plaee among those stars: OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona and Trustee Colette Machado. Since my election to the OHA Board of Trustees in 2006, 1 have heeome an admirer of both women. They are truly warriors on behalf of Native Hawaiians. Haunani eame to OHA in 1997 with a solid background in social work, particularly at Alu Like, that made her keenly aware of the serious issues facing Native Hawaiians in education, employment, incarceration, and just "getting along." She has made good use of that broad experienee in determining whether various proposals presented to the OHA Board truly contribute to the betterment of the conditions of Native Hawaiians. Her leadership as Chairperson has transformed the Board into a sober, sane, deliberative body that concentrates on achieving results benefiting OHA's beneficiaries and does not get bogged down in the petty, personal disputes that characterized earlier boards. OHA's proposals are given more credence by the entire community. Convinced that Federal recognition of a legitimately formed Native Hawaiian governing entity is the ultimate step in establishing a solid base for the long-term improvement of conditions for Native Hawaiians, and in the face of raucous opposition, Haunani is a solid, steady supporter of the Akaka Bill now pending in Congress. In recognition of her contributions to the welfare of both the Native Hawaiian and general communities, Haunani has been awarded membership on a number of boards and commissions, such as the President's Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center Advisory B oard, Queen Emma Foundation,

and several others. Finally, Haunani is an expert in Kl Hō'alu and is held in high regard by all Native Hawaiian entertainers. Colette comes from a background of front-line activism in support of Native Hawaiians and their many issues. She openly describes herself as a "grass roots street fighter" who, in response to perceived injustice, "respond[s] with my heart and my na'au." Shortly after her graduation from UH with a degree in Education, she was appointed a member of the State Land Use Commission where she stood in strong opposition to activities and actions that she deemed to be adverse to Native Hawaiians' interests. She fought vigorously on behalf of the WaiāholeAVaikāne farmers and against development in the valley. Shortly thereafter, as a member of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, she toiled mightily to get more funding and support for the DHHL and its programs. In spite of strong opposition from the Native Hawaiian population in Hilo, she supported the development of the Kūhiō Mall, whieh now earns ineome that goes directly to DHHL to assist in developing its lands. Most recently, Colette strongly supported the Moloka'i Ranch master plan, whieh would have allowed development of 200 residential premises on Lā'au Point. Setback provisions would have protected the shoreline fronting Lā'au Point for access by loeal fishermen and gatherers. In exchange for that permission, the ranch was to dedicate 26,200 acres of premier "Legacy Lands" to the community and another 24,950 acres to open space under easements prohibiting development, and continue operating the hotel and the golf course. Strong, benighted opposition to the plan caused the ranch to close, leaving Moloka'i without any kind of eeonomie engine. Colette's dedication to matters benefiting Native Hawaiians is clearly exemplified by her actions as Chair of the Board's Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment Committee. The proposals brought before the committee, whieh eventually are presented to the whole Board, are clearly, plainly and understandably agendized and set forth so that the committee and the Board encounter few, if any "surprises." I am honored and proud to serve with these two warriors. E3

LEO 'ELELE ■ TRUSTEE MESSAGES