What is the Kānaka 'Ōiwi Advisory Hui?

Aloha mai kakou,

My name is Kalei Hoyle-Kamakahi, and I am from Kapolei, Kaupe’a Hawaiian Homestead. I joined the Kānaka 'Ōiwi Advisory Hui because I believe in uplifting our lāhui through the political and environmental issues affecting our communities by obtaining additional training to help support and strengthen the community voice. 

Upon our completion of our first hui session, I have learned about environmental issues in the Waianae area, how the importance of the 5 stages of group formation and working with other Hui members that bring a wealth of knowledge from their background. I look forward to our next session and be apart of the vision with Kingdom Pathways and Capacity Collaborative.

Aloha mai kākou,

ʻO wau Carrie Inamasu-Aken. No Nānākuli mai au. 

My name is Carrie Inamasu-Aken. I am from Nānākuli. I joined the Kānaka ʻŌiwi Advisory Hui to serve Waiʻanae moku - through building pilina with our Aloha ʻĀina doing the work, getting involved with the current issues we face as Native Hawaiians, and to kākoʻo our community. There is no better way to strengthen lāhui than to serve.

So far, I've learned how to be effective as a Kānaka ʻŌiwi. Through the ʻike being shared within this group, utilizing the tools needed to be effective and building the relationships we need within lāhui, I feel that I can be confident going into the world to make a difference.

I look forward to growing and learning more alongside within this cohort, and to contribite to the vision we all share.

Aloha, my name is Kaila Lucero. I am originally from Austin, Texas, and now live in Kailua. I recently graduated from Hawaiʻi Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a minor in Sustainability. I am now obtaining my Masters of Science in Environmental Policy and Management with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability.

I joined the Kānaka ʻŌiwi Advisory Hui because I am passionate about advocating for the land and wildlife who cannot speak for themselves. 

Since joining the hui, I’ve learned the importance of collaboration, gained insight into issues directly affecting Waiʻanae, and have begun growing into a more confident public speaker.

Aloha mai kākou,
My name is Kelani Uti. I grew up in Hawaiʻi Kai, and although I now reside in East Kapolei, I have chosen to raise my family here on the West side of Oʻahu. I joined the Kānaka ʻŌiwi Advisory Hui because I believe in uplifting our lāhui by ensuring that Native Hawaiian voices are represented in healthcare, education, and community decision-making. Being part of this hui has given me new ʻike about how collaboration strengthens our impact, as well as the confidence to share my manaʻo in spaces that affect our ʻohana. I am inspired by the collective mana of our hui and look forward to continuing this journey with each of you as we build a thriving future for our communities together.