Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 10, 1 October 2023 — Maui Nō E Ka 'Oi [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Maui Nō E Ka 'Oi

The past few months have been busy with our annual OHA island visits and community meetings. We were able to visit the islands of Maui, Kaua'i, Moloka'i, Lāna'i and Hawai'i Island as well as some homestead communities on O'ahu. I have enjoyed my time with all of whom I had the pleasure of meeting with, hearing your concerns and suggestions and seeing firsthand all the great things being done by

and for our lāhui. One of the highlights from our island visits eame on Sept. 14-15 when we visited Kanu o Ka Āina in Waimea, Hawai'i. As one of the first Native Hawaiian charter schools, it was awesome to see the keiki living and learning through a culture-based education made for Native

Hawaiians. OHA helped fund the start-up and continues to help with rent for some loeations. Maui remains one of OHA's top priorities and along with our initial pledge of $5 million dollars towards recovery and rebuilding efforts; we will stand in solidarity with our people moving forward. There is a beautiful mele entitled Maui Nō E Ka 'Oi, whieh was composed by my dear

friend and mentor, Unele Ainsley Halemanu. The music and lyrics eame to Unele in a dream after the passing of his dear friend, Kekua Fernandez. The mele describes the beauty of our island, Maui, such as the heavenly pua roselani, our majestic Haleakalā, 'īao Valley and even Māla o Lahaina. Hidden within the very

first lines is a message of hope that I have begun to repeat in my mind. 'O Maui, 'o Maui nō e ka 'oi He 'āina nui, he 'āina uluwehiwehi Maui, Maui is the best A great lanā, a land so prosperous We know our beloved Lahaina will return as "he aina nui, he aina uluwehiwehi," a great land, a land so prosperous. It may take many years, but we are dedicated to making this happen for our people of Maui. We have two more upcoming community meetings on O'ahu, please look out for updates and information on our Office of Hawaiian Affairs Facebook page as well as our Instagram, @oha_hawaiiIf you would like to testify during one of these meetings on a board agenda item or have something to share during Community Concerns and Celebrations, please contact our OHA office at 808-594-1888 and follow the written guidelines for meeting testimonials. I look forward to seeing you there. ■

Keoni Souza Trustee, At-Large

Trustee Keoni Souzd, Nūtūlie Ai Kūmouu and lolani Komouu ūt Kanu o kū 'Āina for the Hawai'i lsland Community AAeeting in Wūimeo - Photos: Ricbelle Kim

(Conected pboto from last montli's article) Trustee Keoni Souzo ond Captoin Ikoiko Blockburn ot the Nopili Morketploce Moui Relief Center.