Hailama Farden, OHA’s Sr. Director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs, joined the organization in April 2024. He is graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, has a BA in Hawaiian studies from UH Hilo, and masterʻs degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix. He joins OHA after a long career at Kamehameha Schools, where he served most recently served as Community Strategist, Hawaiian Ethos: Civic Leadership and Hoʻomana Advocacy with the Strategies and Transformation Group. He was previously a regional director for Community Engagement and Resources, a KS Kapālama vice principal, and a Hawaiian language instructor. Farden is a former president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the ʽAhahui ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and, in 2018, he was designated a Living Treasure of Hawaiʻi by the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi. He is a trustee for both the Hawaiian Mission Houses Society and the Hawaiian Historical Society, and also serves as kahu at Waiʻanae Protestant Church.
