Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 4, 1 ʻApelila 2014 — Building a vibrant future for our lāhui [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Building a vibrant future for our lāhui

By Dee Jay Kauluwena Mailer Kamehameha Schools and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs share a mission: To build a vibrant future for Native Hawaiians guided by the wisdom of our kūpuna. Since 2004, 1 have had the honor of helping shape that future as chief executive officer of Kamehameha Schools. As I write this I am preparing to retire from that post with optimism and pride, knowing that the trust is in the caring hands of our leaders and dedicated faculty and staff. Over the years I have watched with enthusiasm as those caring hands have elevated educational excellence by preparing our students to be global citizens, teaching young leaders to protect the natural habitats of endangered species, and cultivating a renewed interest in farming and sustainability. These efforts were guided by the goals of our 2000-2015 strategic plan. That plan - developed with mana'o from Kamehameha

stakeholders and the community - defines the educational, cultural and Ananeial excellence that form our kahua today. Since the implementation of the plan and with kōkua from our community partners, we doubled the number of Hawaiian learners and caregivers we serve to over 47,000 - especially in the areas of early learning, scholarship and community school support. Together, we have enriched educational excellence and relevance in our state and advocated for changes that will strengthen generations to eome. I am thrilled to hear of the lives we have touched academically, spiritually and culturally and am so hopeful for the future of our lāhui as I see examples of innovation, achievement and leadership every where !

In early 2013 we began planning for our next 25 years by developing a new strategic vision. We had conversations with Kamehameha alumni, employees, parents, students, as well as community members from all walks oflife. Within a generation of 25 years, we envision a thriving lāhui where our learners are achieving post-secondary educational success - enabling good life and career choices. These learners are also leading and contributing to their communities locally and globally, and are grounded in the Christian and Hawaiian values embraced by Ke Ali'i Pauahi. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the ali'i trusts and other Hawaiian organizations have embraced eaeh other's visions and found eommon paths to support a strong lāhui. It is through our combined will and resources that we will support our people to fulfill the greatness envisioned by our ancestors. Mahalo piha e ka lāhui Hawai'i for your love of our lands and our people. ■

Dee Jay Kauluwena Maūer retired as CEO of Kamehameha Schools onApnl 1, after a decade at the helm.

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Dee Jay Mailer. - Courtesy photo