Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 3, 1 March 2022 — MICHELLE LEIMOMI KOHOLUA [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

MICHELLE LEIMOMI KOHOLUA

V Meet the 'OHAna S ^ OHA STAFF PROFILES '

IT Solution Delivery Technician lnformation Technology 10 years at OHA FROM: Kailua (ahupua'a), Ko'olaupoko (moku), O'ahu (mokupuni) EDUCATION: • Kalaheo High School • Windward Community College (AA Hawaiian studies focus) • UH West O'ahu (currently pursuing a degree in puhlie administration)

What is your kuleana at OHA? I started at OHA in reception, hut four years ago moved to IT where I am a solution delivery technician. I review work tickets created by our internal customers ( OHA staff memhers) who require IT assistance, determine the issues reported as well as other user requests, and then relay that information to ourIT engineers. I also assist with the department's budget, I keep a repository oflicenses and softwarefor the entire organization, and assist with computer equipment deployment. Why did you choose to work at OHA? One daylhad topick up suppliesfrom OHA ( Iwas helping with the "Kaulnoa" project) and when I entered OHA's reception [the old office at 7 11 Kapi'olani Blvd.] the vision ofthe reception area,for me, was amazing. I instantly fell in love with the agency. I knew OHA would he my next home. What is the best thing about working at OHA? Witnessing the help that OHA ean provide is priceless. When I served as a receptionist, workingface-to-face with our lāhui, I metpeople ofall ages desperatefor kōkua - and was ahle to help connect them to the rightpeople and resources. What is something interesting for people to know about you? When my dayjob at OHA ends I work part-time as a eook, three nights a week. I also have my own cleaning business on weekends, and Tm attending college. This keeps mepretty busy. Who has been your role model? My Aunty Lovey and my husband, Kale, have always heen my cheerleaders,for college andfor my work at OHA. They are my role models. What is your best OHA memory? My fondest memories are of meeting different people wherever I go, and especially at OHĀ. Before the pandemic, OHA had an annual costume contest, and twice a year there were all-staffparticipation work events at the various sitesfor whieh OHA has kuleana. ■