Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 12, 1 December 2023 — Aloha mai kākou e ka lāhui Hawai'i, [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Aloha mai kākou e ka lāhui Hawai'i,

V 'OLELO A KA POUHANA V ^ MESSAGE FROM THE CEO *

Reversing the Diaspora Requires Bold Solutions and Collective Commitment

It is with immense joy and a profound sense of responsibility that I extend my warmest greetings to you as I embark on this journey as Ka Pouhana (CEO), entrusted with the honor of leading the Oflice of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA). Working alongside our esteemed Board of Trustees and OHA's dedicated staff, I am filled with excitement for the collective effort we will invest in building a thriving lāhui for Kānaka 'Ōiwi throughout our pae aina. As we stand at the threshold of the fourth year of Mana i Mauli Ola, OHA's strategic plan, the wellbeing of our people is at the forefront of our endeavors. The upcoming period holds the promise of addressing pressing issues such as education, healthcare, quality housing, and eeonomie stability here in our beloved Hawai'i Nei. Our commitment is unwavering: to ensure a Hawai'i where our 'ohana ean remain connected to our ancestral home for generations to eome. For those who have moved away, we aspire to create a Hawai'i you ean onee again eall home with pride and belonging. The Hawaiian diaspora casts a shadow over our communities, urging us to confront this challenge with urgency and innovation. Personally, as a makua and kupuna wahine with two daughters residing on the continent, I understand the heartache that distance ean bring. My mo'opuna, Kapouhiwaokalani and Kānehoalani, are growing up over FaceTime, the first in our 'ohana born outside of Hawai'i.

Their desire to return is met with the harsh realities of financial constraints and the high cost of living. It is a sentiment shared by many in our diaspora, creating a poignant reminder of the importance of our mission. OHA's journey to reverse the diaspora is monumental, requiring bold

solutions and a collective commitment to shaping the future of oui lāhui. We are challenged to bridge the gap between our people and their roots, to ensure that the essence of being Kānaka 'Oiwi is nurtured and celebrated right here in the embrace of our islands. Together, we shall navigate the waters of change, working dili-

gently to make our Mana i Mauli Ola vision a reality. Fet us stand united, inspired by the rich legacy of our ho'oilina (inheritance), fueled by the love for our aina, and dedicated to securing a vibrant and resilient future for every member of our lāhui. Mahalo piha for entrusting me with this privilege. I look forward to the incredible journey ahead and the positive impact we will create for generations to eome. ■ ^

Me ka ha'aha'a, Stacy Kealohalani Ferreira Ka Pouhana | Chief Executive Officer