HONOLULU — Hoʻomaikaʻi to OHA Trustee Haunani Apoliona who was honored as a Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi earlier this month. For the last forty years, the Living Treasures of Hawaiʻi program has recognized and honored individuals for their sustained contributions toward enriching our society.
Apoliona has made significant contributions to the Hawaiian community in the field of social work and cultural practices. She has served as an OHA Trustee-At-Large since 1996, and from 2000 to 2010 led the OHA Board of Trustees as the Chairperson. During her tenure at OHA, Apoliona has provided leadership in the pursuit of self-determination for Native Hawaiians. Prior to serving at OHA, Apoliona was the President and Chief Executive Officer for ALU LIKE, Inc. Among her many accolades, Apoliona has served on the President’s Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, served as the director of the Board Executive Committee for the Bernice Pauahi Foundation, and served as the Director of the Queen Emma Foundation. Apoliona is also a talented slack-key guitarist and composer of Hawaiian music. She is a member of the award-winning band Olomana.
At a ceremony on February 14, 2015, Apoliona was honored as a Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi alongside Puanani Alama, Dr. Bernice Yamagata Hirai, Laura Ruby, Barry K. Taniguchi, and Paulette Nohealani Kahalepuna.