LEO 'ELELE - TRUSTEE MESSAGES

Milton Pa – Moloka'i DHHL
commissioner, 2000-2008

Colette Y. Machado Trustee, Moloka'i and Lāna'i

Aloha kākou!

June 30 marked the end of a milestone for Moloka'i's Milton Pa. After eight years of serving as a commissioner for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, his term has ended. Those of you who know him, or have been touched by him, can relate to and appreciate his dedication to serving the community.

Milton Pa was appointed as a commissioner to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in July of 2000. It was the first of two terms he would serve representing the homestead communities on the island of Moloka'i. Like most commissions, the Hawaiian Homes Commission is made up of a group volunteers, appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate, who try their best to represent the beneficiaries in the executive decisions of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Milton is a Moloka'i boy, born and raised on a homestead that was passed down from generation to generation. His grandparents were among the first group of homestead settlers to arrive on Moloka'i in 1924. His grandfather was originally from Laupāhoehoe on Hawai'i, while his grandmother hailed from Kāne'ohe, O'ahu. They were brave and resourceful like most pioneers, and moved to build a new life on their 40 acres in Ho'olehua. From his grandfather, the land was passed on to his grandmother, then to his father, then his mother and now to him.

Milton spent his formidable years growing up on the homestead, attending Kualapu'u School and eventually graduating from Moloka'i High School in 1956. He continued with his education at Church College of Hawaii in Lā'ie, and received a bachelor's of science degree. Education became his life's passion; Milton spent the next 35 years in Hawai'i's Department of Education. Kahuku, Hālawa and Kaunakakai elementary schools are among the schools he's had the opportunity to call home. He served as a district resource teacher and a Hawaiian studies teacher from 1990 to 1998. The list of community organizations on his resume are too numerous to name individually, but his dedication to public service in education is the theme throughout.

In terms of his accomplishments as a commissioner, Milton is most proud of his participation in the development of the Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP). “When I was first appointed to the commission, my biggest concern was the delinquency rate, it was so high. We wanted to keep the beneficiaries on the land, we had to help them,” he said. “Some of the policies of the department were different in those days, the people would get their award and build their homes, only to end up struggling with the financial commitment.”

Milton notes that the Home Ownership Assistance Program helps beneficiaries across the state by giving them information critical in maintaining a sound financial situation. “It gives them the tools and resources needed to be successful home owners, before the home is even built,” he added.

Looking back, Milton admits that there were some difficult decisions but most of his memories of the commission work was rewarding and humbling. When asked what the best part of being on the commission was, he simply stated, “I've had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and I appreciate the amount of work that goes into running the Department, especially the staff on the neighbor islands.” He conceded that some meetings were difficult, “although we had differences, we still respect each other's opinions, and can come together to make things work for everyone.” He wanted to thank the commissioners, past and present for the joy of working with them.

Life after the commission is calm and peaceful. Milton plans to spend time with his wife on their homestead, keep active in the community, be involved with church, and find a role for himself in the Ho'olehua Homestead Association. “I'm not done with the mission yet, I plan to volunteer at the Moloka'i District Office whenever I can,” he concluded.

Mahalo Milton, in appreciation of the leadership and unselfish contributions you've made for the Hawaiian community.