LEO 'ELELE - TRUSTEE MESSAGES

Hawai'i, the melting pot of the world

Donald B. Cataluna Trustee, Kaua'i and Ni'ihau

Diversity – the quality of being made of many different elements, forms, kinds or individuals.

The Aloha Spirit – Akahai, kindness; Lōkahi, unity; 'Olu'olu, agreeable; Ha'aha'a, humility; Ahonui, patience.

Like brothers and sisters, Hawaiians have many different views and do not see eye to eye on how, when and what to do to achieve our justifiable goals. But the elections are over and it is now time to unite as a nation and support the tasks ahead of us. Let us embrace the words of President-elect Barack Obama, “I know that we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and work together as one nation.”

Five things that I want to see accomplished during this transition are:

• OHA be pono

• Akaka Bill is passed and signed by President Obama

• OHA helps rebuild the Hawaiian Nation

• OHA aids more Hawaiians in education, single mothers with children and our kūpuna

• OHA resolves the ceded lands issue

We can freely choose to continue acting independently or we can stand together and accomplish the tasks ahead. “Yes, we can.” Hawai'i, the melting pot of the world.

May your holiday season be filled with all things that make the season bright. May laughter fill your homes and joy fill your hearts. May your table abound with good food and your family embrace each other in thankfulness for being together not only in this holiday season but throughout the year. Embrace the love of your family and the wisdom of your kūpuna. Pray for the healing of our Hawaiian people that God will heal our hearts and land and surround us with His peace. God Bless you all! Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hauoli Makahiki Hou!