Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 4, 1 ʻApelila 2021 — Mana i Mauli Ola [ARTICLE]

Mana i Mauli Ola

OHA's 15-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR 2020-2035

Our Mission To mālama Hawai'i's people and environmental resources, and OHA's assets, toward ensuring the perpetuation of the culture, the enhancement of lifestyle and the protection of entitlements of Native Hawaiians, while enabling the building of a strong and healthy Hawaiian people and lāhui, recognized nationally and internationally.

Our Vision Ho'oulu Lāhui Aloha OHA's vision statement (To Raise a Beloved Lāhui) blends the thoughts and leadership of both King Kalākaua and his sister, Queen Lili'uokalani. Both faced tumultuous times as we do today, and met their challenges head on. "Ho'oulu Lāhui" was King Kalākaua's motto. Aloha expresses the high values of Queen Lili'uokalani.

Our Roles AAAA

ADVOCATE As an advocate, OHA speaks, writes and acts in favor of effective policy development, including changing of laws and strengthening implementation of policies and practices that impact the foundations and directions outlined in the organization's strategic plan. Advocates also monitor and evaluate policies and garner public support for causes through community outreach efforts, identifying potentially harmful or ineffective policies and laws, and supporting initiatives that enable communities to advocate to improve the conditions for Native Hawaiians. COMMUNITY ENGAGER As a community engager, OHA works collaboratively with the Native Hawaiian community and general public by sharing information through multiple communication channels that connect the organization with beneficiaries, communities and networks.

RESEARCHER As a researcher, OHA serves by gathering, compiling and analyzing data that identifies issues important to the Native Hawaiian community including policies and practices, making observations and recommendations, informingthe organization and communities' advocacy efforts, evaluating policies, programs and practices, providing and ensuringthat the actions and initiatives undertaken inform actions by OHA, beneficiaries and communities as a whole. ASSET MANAGER As an asset manager, OHA makes mindful investment decisions that help maximize the value of the organization's portfolio. These fiduciary duties and responsibilities include managing hnaneial, land, and community property assets prudently, and preserving and perpetuating legacy land holdings.