Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 11, 1 November 2022 — Honoring 'Ōiwi Leaders [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Honoring 'Ōiwi Leaders

J THE VOICE OF NATIVE > HAWAIIAN BUSINESS

FL- NATIVE HAWAIIAN W CHAMBER OF WW\ COMMERCE Submitted by the NHCC Board of Directors Hepūko'a kani 'āina. A coral reefthat grows into an island. (A person beginning in a small way gains steadily until they heeome firmly established.) - Mary Kawena Pukui, 'Ōlelo No'eau 932. Like many kānaka, Dr. Naleen Andrade, John De Fries and Marlene Sai got their start in small and humhle ways. With hard work, perseverance and a heart to better their people, they grew into established 'Ōiwi leaders that have and continue to inspire others. The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (NHCC) honored these kānaka at the 45th Annual 'Ō o Awards on Oct. 21.

This year's theme centered on 'Ōiwi Leadership! As kānaka, we are born into a heritage of powerful, wise, and compassionate wāhine and kāne leaders with a tradition of passing on the kuleana of leadership from one generation to the next. With the resilient and innovative mindset of our kūpuna as the standard, we recognize kānaka of today who exemplify what has been passed on by so many before. These leaders dedicate themselves to perfecting their craft and contributing time and talent to the benefit of the lāhui. With a knaek for perseverance and thriving through adversity, 'Ōiwi leaders are

keepers of both tradition and innovation. Naleen Naupaka Andrade, M.D. is the executive vice president of Native Hawaiian Heahh and chief diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice (DEIJ) ofhcer at The Queen's Heahh System (QHS). Dr. Andrade leads Queen's transformative work whhin its Native Hawaiian Heahh and DEIJ programs, and spearheads organiza-tion-wide implementation of Queen's initiatives in these key areas. In her role, Dr. Andrade works in eollahoration with other heahh care and community-based organizations to improve the heahh and wellbeing of Native Hawaiians and all the people of Hawai'i. During his tenure at the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, John De Fries led the state's pivot toward regenerative tourism, whieh seeks to halanee the economics of tourism with the wellbeing of our communities and natural resources. He took over leadership of HTA in September 2020, only six months into the global COVID-19 pandemic. Born in Waikīkī before h heeame the eeonomie center of Hawai'i tourism, De Fries was raised by family elders steeped in Hawaiian culture. He has five decades of professional experience in tourism and resort development. Marlene Sai, an actress, vocalist and music executive, is popularly known as a grand dame of Hawaiian music, whose signature songs, Kainoa and Waikīkī, and portrayal of Lili'uokalani in the PBS documentary "Betrayal" won her fame and many awards. More than just a musical treasure, Marlene worked in administration at Kamehameha Schools and built its alumni department, while continuing to perform select "gigs." The work continues. Hawaiian businesses and the Hawaiian eommunity at large need you. We need your talent, your time and your voice. Join us, and let's grow together! ■