Teresa Bright, center, is flanked by OHA Board of Trustees members Walter Heen, John V. Waihe'e IV, Chairperson Haunani Apoliona and Colette Machado. The OHA Board honored Bright for her years of service on the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Board. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

By Lisa Asato / Ka Wai Ola Loa

The OHA Board of Trustees recently honored Teresa Bright for her outstanding leadership and service as a member of the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Board.

In a brief ceremony in the boardroom, OHA Trustees led by Chairperson Haunani Apoliona presented Bright a resolution thanking her for working "relentlessly and diligently to promote economic activities which resulted in expanded opportunities for Native Hawaiians to increase their ownership of, employment in, and income from local economic enterprises."

Bright, a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award-winning musician, served an unprecedented nine years on the volunteer board, including three as president.

In 2007, she helped roll out OHA's restructured Mālama Loan, which was previously known as the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund. The low-interest Mālama Loan program is designed for Native Hawaiians who want to expand an existing business, start up a new venture or finance education or home improvement.

OHA boardmember John V. Waihe'e IV presents a lei while Chairperson Haunani Apoliona presents the proclamation from the OHA Board recognizing Teresa Bright's years of volunteer service. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

"It's been nine years – we've come a long way, baby," Bright said, adding: "I'm so happy to be a part of this and to give Hawaiians an opportunity to succeed."

Mark Glick, Director of OHA's Economic Development Hale, commended Bright for her steadfast dedication to helping Native Hawaiians. "She was always mindful about encouraging us to go as far as we could go to support our Native Hawaiian beneficiaries through these loan products, and we appreciate that," Glick said.

Bright's term ended Aug. 31. Aaron Lorenzo, the immediate past vice president, succeeded her as board president. Former board secretary Debra Henton now serves as vice president.

Lowell Kalapa, executive director and president of the Tax Foundation of Hawai'i, has been nominated to fill the vacancy on the seven-member board. His nomination is pending approval by the OHA Board of Trustees and the commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans.

For information on OHA Mālama Business Loans, visit https://www.fhb.com/loans-bus-oha.htm.

For information on OHA Mālama Consumer Loans for education or home improvement, visit https://www.fhb.com/loans-oha.htm.