Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 23, Number 1, 1 January 2006 — 2006 and beyond [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]
2006 and beyond
Dante Keala Carpenter TrustEE, O'ahu
Aloha mai kākou a Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! From time to time, a page out of OHA's Strategic Plan comes to my mind and reminds me of my role as a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The following eight values and principles adopted by the OHA provides guidance to the trustees and staff as we conduct our work towards the agency's vision, mission and fulfillment of its trust responsibilities: • Kākou: Ealu likemaiika ho'okō 'ana i ko kākou mikiona. We work together, unified to accomplish our mission. • Aloha Kekahi i Kekahi: 'Olu'olu a maika'i kākou i nā kānaka a pau. We are kind and companionate to all whose lives we touch. • Pono Pau'ole: E hana kūpono kākou me ka 'oia'i'o. We act with integrity and truthfulness. • Mālama Kekahi i Kekahi: E hō'ihi a mālama kākou i nā po'e a pau a me nā mea 'ē a'e a pau. We respect and care for others and all that surrounds us. • Kuleana: E ho'okō kākou i ko kākou kuleana hana. We carry out our individual and collective responsibilities. • Kūlia: E ho'okumu kākou i ka hana e pili ana i nā kuleana Hawai'i me ka ho'oholu. We take initiative and are resilient in advocating for Hawaiian rights. • Po'okela: E hana kākou me ka 'oi a e ho'omaika'i iā kākou iho. We do our absolute best and continuously seek improvement.
• Ho'omau: E ho'omau kākou i ke ea o ka 'āina, nā mea e ho'opuni ana, ka mo'omeheu a me ka po'e Hawai'i. Together, steadfast we preserve and perpetuate our culture, people, land and environment. I share this with you today, because you may find that you live by the same or similar values and principles. If this is new to you, you may consider these values and principles as a guide for yourself as you take on eaeh day in 2006. With this new year upon us, let us be reminded to keep on track with our healthy lifestyles. If you've slacked off on exercising because of the holiday celebrations, now's the time to get back to your exercise routine. You will feel more energized! This month brings out a lot of talk about resolutions for the new year, but don't let it overwhelm you. If you are the type who diligently lists your resolutions and makes every effort to achieve them, congratulations! If not, don't fret, do your best and at least start eaeh day with a positive notion and see where it takes you. Reminder: Jan. 18, 2006, is the opening of the state Legislature. OHA's Legislative Package will be available in the second week of January. If you would like a copy, contact our Government Relations office at 5941928 or 594-1970. As always, my staff and I invite your comments on the above or any other concerns within our purview. My OHA access numbers are: phone 594-1854, fax 594-0210 and e-mail address dantec@oha.org. So, for 2006 and beyond - Aloha a hui hou, e mālama pono. H