Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 1, 1 January 2016 — "Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou" [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

"Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou"

A s we ring in the New Year, we t\ have the opportunity to create #^\ resolutions on a new

# % slate. While this is in # *sorts, a new beginning, it is only but a continuation of all prior work that we have done. We have an opportunity to assess our goals and reevaluate our progress. As I look forward, I can't help but wonder: What do we have to do to bring our people together? To unify? To be one? How do we heeome the strongest lāhui that we ean be? Our kupuna knew He ali'i ka 'āina, he kauwā ke kanaka - the land is the chief and man

its servants. When we look at the word kama 'āina, we see the reciprocal relationship between man and 'āina. 'Āina, ourland and resources, are paramount. I really want to extend my mahalo and admiration to all of our people who have stood up for what is truly important to them. Across Hawai'i pae 'āina and globally, so many people have committed to advocating for our lands and resources like Mauna Kea, Nā Wai 'Ehā, Olowalu, East Maui, etc., often times with incredible personal sacrifices and selfless concerns for themselves. It is this eommitment and sacrifice that inspires me to represent our people in my capacity as a Trustee. On Maui, we have continued to battle to restore mauka to makai stream llow at Nā Wai 'Ehā. This was accomplished after a century of diversions by sugar plantations. Similarly, on the island of Kaua'i, water issues and diversions are being recognized and addressed. Most recently, on Maui, approval for development at Olowalu was halted. On Hawai'i Island, our people have stood up for the protection of Mauna Kea. Again, ua lanakila - our people won on

behalf of our 'āina. But these successes are not without a new set of challenges. As we continue to work towards

eommon ground, I truly believe that we need to get educated on our history, stories, places, and the issues that will impact them. Education and communication are key in our success so that we ean create a nation that all our people ean support. With all of the issues we face today, it is critical that we all eome together to speak for what is truly important. That whieh helps us thrive - 'āina. We have among us strong leaders of many differing mana'o - all struaglina to see whose voice is

the loudest. We need for these people to eome together on the same table - all on the same level to share their knowledge, opinions, andpriorities. Where do we start? What is the eommon ground? What is at risk? I ka wā kahiko, our people thrived in a structured society that resulted in a highly successful community - including both people and 'āina. Eaeh person's specialized role was understood and respected by others. The Office of Hawaiian affairs aims to build upon this kahua of fundamental Hawaiian values. These efforts are reflected in the Board's policy and core values. As an entity, OHA upholds ideals that have been taught throughout our history while dealing with responsibilities in a contemporary Hawai'i. Granted, this is no easy task - but I am honored to be able to serve our people and hope to contribute to things that our people ean be proud of. I am happy to be in the position that I am today and hope we ean continue to work together as individuals, as a board, and as an entity to ho 'oko kuleana Hawai'i. ■

j LEO 'ELELE ^ > TRUSTEE MESSSAGES f

Carmen "Hulu" Lindsey Trustee, Maui