Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 3, 1 March 2023 — Politics and Progress [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Politics and Progress

V LEO 'ELELE V ^ TRUSTEE MESSAGES "

As I continue to get situated in my role as your OHA Trustee AtLarge, I have eome to understand the importance that OHA plays in the legislative process. Since the inception of OHA in 1978, OHA and legislators have worked closely together to increase the support systems for Native Hawaiians. We continue to do so today with respect and admiration of eaeh individual

serving in puhlie oflice. This Legislative session over 3,000 bills were introduced between the Senate and House. Ihank you, legislators, for your diligent process of review and questioning. At OHA wp rpvif>w hill.<! tlint <;nprif-

ically name OHA, or that closely affect OHA's strategic plan efforts https://www. oha.org/strategicplan/. These numbered over 500 bills. Our amazing puhlie policy, advocacy and administrative teams sort through the bills and create a matrix to help us work more efficiently. We closely review bills that will affect our heneheiaries, our funding or development. As a realtor who has helped other Native Hawaiians try to buy a home, I understand that it is not just the Hawaiians on the DHHL waiting list that need assistance. There are so many more who cannot even qualify for DHHL for whom home ownership is a top priority. When Hawaiians laek housing, it is difficult to pursue education or other endeavors. Through the Hakuone (Kaka'ako Makai) development, we see both an eeonomie engine toward self-sufliciency and the potential to help address the

housing crisis. Please join our Instagram at IG:@hakuonehi and website at www.hakuone. eom to support. In addition to affordable housing for Hawaiians, it is of deep importance that we work closely with our communities. By the time this is published, I will have completed two of my planned island visits (Moloka'i and Kaua'i). I will be scheduling visits to the other islands in March and April. One issue that I have been

asked to review has been, "How ean OHA help those who need down payment assistance to purchase DHHL property or other housing in Hawai'i." Other issues that have been shared with me are with regard to agricultural support, grants or loans to fix farm equipment or irrigation

systems, education, youth sports, and work opportunities. The funding OHA receives from the legislature allows more of these programs to be added for beneficiaries, whieh is why it's so important for us to be at the Capitol. One day our vision is that OHA ean support itself and drive eeonomie stability for Native Hawaiians. By visiting you in the community and identifying your concerns more closely, I will be able to make my Board of Trustee decisions carefully, always keeping you in mind. If you have specific concerns or issues, feel ffee to contact my ofīice at 808-594-1857 or email me at Trusteesouza@oha. org I look forward to meeting you in the coming months. Aloha and Mahalo! ■

Keoni Souza Trustee, At-Large

(L-R) Keoni Souzū, Kanani Souzū, lulio Souzo, former Gov. lohn Woihee, former First Lody Lynn Woihee, ond Potrick Souzo. - Photos: Richelle Kim

a- p fijaf k < VP • Mahina Souza, Governor Josh Green, Keoni Souza.