Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 2, 1 Pepeluali 2023 — Moving Forward With Wisdom From Our Past [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Moving Forward With Wisdom From Our Past

Iam the grandson of a fullblooded Hawaiian woman from 'Ualapu'e, Moloka'i. My grandmother, Mona Ha'aha'a Ka'apana Medeiros, personified her given Hawaiian name. She was ha'aha'a in all ways while staying true to her kolohe and feisty nature, whieh was endearing to all of our 'ohana. In her selfless and subtle approach, she raised her

only child, my mother, and her five grandchildren (me and my four siblings) to be leaders for our people. Perhaps we did not realize the lessons she instilled in us until her death in 2018. After

XIX ZiUiU. X1JL ICX IUI III IUUI I. I IIUIU. J\J Jl I U U l\UII reflection of her time with us on earth, I finally understood the values that she imparted to her offspring and the true meaning of being Hawaiian. The most prized leaders in the Hawaiian community are not found in high places or elected positions. They are the tūtū and tūtū kāne who raised strong Hawaiian children and grandchildren. They are the acts of kindness and aloha that we see in passing. They are the people who do not have a platform but lead in ways that further our culture and heritage. It is for people like my great-great-grandparents, the Rev. Daniel and Elizabeth Iaea, who raised my grandmother and taught her how to be a leader in the Hawaiian community through faith, fellowship, and activism, that I ean serve in the capacity of OHA Trustee At-Large. The lessons from my family have been instilled in me with a focus on being of service to others. I am humbled and honored to be in this role to help our lāhui rise. I am the product of my ancestors who have provided me a moral compass that will guide me as I embark on this journey to help our people. Being your newly

elected OHA Trustee At-Large has given me a new level of kuleana to our lāhui. I am grateful to be working with everyone on eaeh island to push for groundbreaking progress over the course of my term. As a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, I was fortunate to have been a part of the Hawaiian music and hula community since my time in the Concert Glee Club and Hawaiian Ensemble. Mv passion for traditional

Hawaiian music has led me all over the world, from Carnegie Hall to Japan. This perspective has shaped my views on our role and influence in the broader world landscape. I am also a licensed realtor here in

Hawai'i, whieh has helped me understand the housing crisis that plagues our residents and the homeless issues. We ean do better and OHA plays a critical role in helping all of Hawai'i thrive. As a husband and father to three keiki, I ean empathize with our young loeal families who are trying to make a go of it with the high cost of living here. With new blood at OHA, we have a diverse group of trustees and perspectives that will foster greater collaboration and ideas. I plan to visit our communities throughout Hawai'i during my tenure to meet with those on the ground working - such as small businesses owners, ranchers, and farmers. I am delighted to listen, learn, and bring our people together to maximize the potential of OHA and the work that we do to improve the wellheing of Native Hawaiians. As the grandson of a full-blooded Hawaiian woman who taught me how to lead with a gentle spirit, I will perpetuate the goodness of our kūpuna and move forward as an OHA trustee with my ancestors' wisdom ffom the past. ■

Keoni Souza Trustee, At-Large

Trustee Souzo greeting guests ot the 2022 OHA investiture luneheon. - Photo: Joshua Koh