Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 3, 1 March 2015 — Native Hawaiians are the reason for our existence [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Native Hawaiians are the reason for our existence

Aloha Kākou ! Native Hawaiians are the reason for our, OHA's, existence: 1) To improve the conditions of Native Hawaiians by preserving Hawaiian culture, language, history and to create, promote educational and eeonomie opportunities... 2) To carry out our responsibilities (kuleana) with civility and Aloha for others... 3) To speak truth-

fully ( 'oia'i'o) and with humility (ha'aha'a)... 4) To foster trusting relationships and work together as a team (laulima)... 5) To contribute and add value as we exhibit Leadership in all that we do as we move forward in a Hawaiian way with a Hawaiian sense of plaee... "Waimea Valley, historically a home to a long line of Ali'i Nui, Ali'i, and Kahuna Nui.

The last was Hewahewa, a high priest from the island of Hawai 'i" (Hi'ilei Aloha LLC pamphlet). Sometimes, we forget our core values of why we exist. But

my pilgrimage to Waimea Valley, a living pu'uhonua, a rich and culturally significant wahi pana, became a metaphorical journey of moral and spiritual significance for me. It reminded me of how great my kuleana is to have been elected to this position and

I accept it with mueh ha'aha'a. There are many cultural and archeological sites located throughout this l,875-acre ahupua'a stretching from the mountains to the sea. Filled with historical, cultural, botanical and ecological wonders, Executive Director Richard Pezzulo and his staff are doing an amazing job as stewards of this historic treasure. E Komo Mai! Weleome and visit Waimea Valley through

some photos shared here of cultural sites, the Falls and the wonderful Thursday Open Market. As you walk along the trails, stop and experience Hawai'i as our forefathers did, and feel proud to be a Hawaiian. The Proud Peaeoek Restau-

rant is now open for business, as well, in the evenings. Let us honor and perpetuate Hawai'i's past, steward our present and plan for a prosperous and healthy future. A hui hou until next month! ■

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j LEO 'ELELE ^ > TRUSTEE MESSSAGES f

_V M(Wi Leina'ala Ahu lsa, Ph.D. TrustEE, At-largE

From left, Trustee Ahu lsa, Waimea Valley Executive Director Richard Pezzulo, Trustee Aides Alvin Akee and Lady Garrett, and Ah Lan Diamond, Cultural Programs Director, stand in front of the valley's waterfall. _ U — 1 IKL I i MM ■— r r

Waimea Valley is home to botanical wonders, as well as cultural gems, bottom right.

The Thursday Open Market.