Yesterday, I read with great pride the news about my friend from intermediate school, Kamani Kuala`au, being called a “Leader for the Future” for being named a trustee for the King William Charles Lunalilo Trust, the smallest of the Alii Trusts. He replaces longtime Trustee Keahi Allen, who passed away earlier this year and was also the longtime head of the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission.
I have a special affinity for Lunalilo Home and the Lunalilo Trust. An uncle of mine served as Administrator (the equivalent of a CEO) for several years. And, one of my current co-workers also worked at Lunalilo Home. During my uncle’s tenure, I did many hours of community service work there, some dealing with a history project, others dealing with general maintenance. My only regret is that for almost all of that time that I volunteered there, Lunalilo Home was closed for renovations to modernize it and provide a better experience for its elderly Hawaiian patients. So while I got to witness its transformation first-hand, I didn’t get to see the bright faces of its patients, residents, and staff upon its triumphant return.
As someone who, like Kamani, also hasn’t quite reached the age of 30 yet, I take pride in knowing that someone as young as he and I had his talents and abilities recognized to be named a trustee. I’m glad to see others accepting the long future of contributions those of us nearing 30 can and will make to our community. As one of my friends also said about young people taking on greater leadership roles:
With us you have established young roots that will thrive if you help us grow.
However, don’t let his youth full you. Kamani did go to Princeton and is quite famous for standing up to former Kamehameha Schools Trustee Lokelani Lindsey. And just as impressive as his new gig is his current one, Vice President of Institutional Client Services at Bank of Hawaii.
Congratulations, Trustee Kuala`au! I’m sure you will do us all proud! You serve as a positive role model to the youth of Hawaii and to fellow Native Hawaiians. Imua!
Mahalo!
[...] http://capsun.org/2008/12/04/trustee-kamani-kualaau/ [...]
[...] Regardless of how you feel about Ikaika, he is passionate about serving his constituents, something I witnessed firsthand when we served together. And, he is never afraid to stand up for his beliefs, whatever the result may be. I think his independent spirit will be the perfect continuation of the legacy of Councilmember Barbara Marshall. His victory serves as inspiration to other young people to get involved in their community, following the non-profit example set by someone else I know, Kamani Kuala`au. [...]