Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 36, Number 6, 1 June 2019 — Paula Akana named new Executive Director of 'lolani Palace [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Paula Akana named new Executive Director of 'lolani Palace

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Following an extensive loeal anel national search, The Friends of 'Iolani Palaee today announced that the Board of Directors has selected

Paula Akana as its new Executive Director, effective July 8, 2019. As a veteran broadcast journalist, Akana brings more than

30 years of communications and leadership experience to her new role. Over her distinguished career with KITV Island News, she has covered a variety of stories about 'Iolani Palaee, including its restoration, return of long-lost objects, and unique plaee in Hawai'i's history. "I am humbled and honored to be asked to help lead the Friends of 'Iolani Palaee. The Palaee has always held a special plaee in my heart," said Akana. "I want to mahalo KITV for allowing me to share stories of the Palaee and our Hawaiian culture for the past 35 years. I now look forward to not only sharing the Palace's story with the world, but also, along with the board, staff and volunteers, to eonhnue to restore and protect this wahi pana." "The diligence, passion and grace that Paula has brought to her job eaeh and every day for the last 30 plus years is rare and special," said Jason Hagiwara, general manager of KITV. "While we will miss her, we are excited for her and wish her well in the next chapter of her journey." Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, 'Iolani Palaee was the home of Hawai'i's last reigning monarchs and served as the official royal residence and social life until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. A registered National Historic Landmark, 'Iolani Palaee is a living restoration of a proud Hawaiian nahonal identity and the only ofticial royal palaee in the United States. For more information, please eall 'Iolani Palaee at (808) 522-0822 or visit www.iolani palace.org.

n Paula Akana