Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 1, 1 January 2015 — A new beginning [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A new beginning

Webegin 2015 with a new Chairman, Robert Lindsey, at the helm of the OHA Board. His role may be new, but his service to OHA and to the Native Hawaiian community is longstanding and deeply appreciated. I would also like to say mahalo nui loa to my colleagues for their continuing confidence in me as the Chairperson of the Land and Property Committee. OHA is the 13th-

largest landowner in the State of Hawai'i. I am very aware of the magnitude of our responsibility as stewards of our land assets and I renew my pledge to bring all of my career experience to bear in fulfilling this kuleana. There is another person who understands his kuleana very well: our new Chancellor at the University of Hawai'i Maui Campus. We are so proud to see a native son return to his home, rich in experience and education, eager and ready to give back to his people. In a recent media interview, Dr. Lui Hokoana reflected on what his late father, a fireman who dreamed big dreams for his children, would say if he could see his son, armed with a doctorate, return to Maui as Chancellor of the loeal university. He would say "I told you so!" said Lui. I would like to eeho that. From everything I saw of his upbringing and the values his parents instilled in him, I know how blessed we are to have him back to lead and inspire our children to discover their fullest potential. He mentioned that growing up, he wanted to be a fireman like his father. But his parents saw that he could be mueh more, and they encouraged him to reach higher. I want to honor the example Dr. Hokoana's parents set of positioning the next generation to do better. Lui is a fine example

of what happens when we take a real interest in our children and bring out the best in them. He is quick to acknowledge the key role other professional mentors played in his life, opening doors for him and entrusting him with career responsibilities that have been pivotal to his growth. He has also been quoted as saying, "People want to be listened to." Amen! On behalf of the people of Maui, "WELCOME HOME, LUI!" I see many lessons that we

ean draw from Lui's story as we embark on a new year as trustees of this important institution. It reminds me onee again of the critical importance of parental guidance and education in ensuring a bright future for our children and grandchildren. It reminds me of the important role of the kūpuna in lighting the way forward, as well as the necessity for our children to be equipped with the skills to carry the torch forward. We at OHA must embrace better than ever before the role of being, not just leaders and spokespersons, but bridge-builders. We too need to do a better job of listening. We need to connect the various groups within the community because we all understand the strength that we ean summon when we are united in one purpose. That purpose is to build a better future for all of Hawai'i. That purpose must include the uplifting of those who are struggling with poverty and illness; the rehabilitation of those who have made mistakes but want to become contributing members of society; the education of our children; the sustaining of our culture; and the kind of 21 st century responsible, eeonomie development that protects our planet and its people. Yes, if you dream the impossible, the impossible ean become a reality. ■

Carmen "Hulu" Lindsey Trustee, Maui