KALENA PARISH
Candidate for OHA At-Large TrusteeAloha!
I am honored to be running for Office of Hawaiian Affairs At-Large Trustee. My commitment is simple: to serve our lāhui with integrity.Throughout my 20+ year career as a professional musician and nonprofit leader, I have dedicated my life to creating opportunities through education, cultural preservation, community service, and nonprofit leadership. I believe OHA has a unique opportunity to strengthen Native Hawaiian communities by investing in people, protecting our cultural resources, and building meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact for future generations.Your preliminary ballot allows you to vote for up to THREE candidates. You can also choose to vote for just ONE. I would be deeply honored if that one vote was for me. Mahalo nui loa for your trust and support.WHY I'M RUNNING
I don't see this campaign as entering politics. I see it as continuing a lifetime of service in a new capacity.For years, I have worked alongside students, educators, artists, nonprofits, businesses, cultural practitioners, and community leaders to create meaningful opportunities for our communities. Those experiences have taught me that lasting impact takes more than good intentions. It takes hard work, collaboration, accountability, and the willingness to ask difficult questions. Mostly they’ve shown me that when we operate together, we can accomplish incredible things.I am running because I believe leadership is about listening, bringing people together, and creating real solutions. OHA should be transparent, accountable, and focused on improving the lives of Native Hawaiian beneficiaries today while protecting the resources and traditions that will sustain future generations.MY EXPERIENCE
As Founder and Executive Director of the Kapena School of Music & Creative Expression, I have helped build educational programs that serve hundreds of students and families through music, leadership, and cultural education.As President of the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts, I have worked alongside artists, cultural practitioners, industry leaders, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to celebrate and preserve Hawaiian music while leading one of Hawaiʻi's most recognized cultural organizations.These experiences have taught me how to lead organizations, build partnerships, manage resources responsibly, secure funding, and create programs that strengthen our communities.MY PRIORITIES
My priority is to strengthen Native Hawaiian families. I believe OHA should invest in programs that create opportunity for Native Hawaiian families through education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, housing support, cultural preservation, and community partnerships.EDUCATION & YOUTH
Education has been the foundation of my life's work. I will advocate for expanded educational opportunities, mentorship programs, scholarships, and leadership development that prepare the next generation to thrive.CULTURE & STEWARDSHIP
Our land, water, language, traditions, and cultural practices are not only the foundation of who we are—they are our greatest responsibility. Protecting Hawaiʻi's natural and cultural resources is nonnegotiable. I believe we have a kuleana to steward these resources with care so they remain healthy and abundant for future generations. That means making thoughtful decisions rooted in ʻike kūpuna, informed by modern science, and guided by meaningful collaboration with the communities who know these places best.ACCOUNTABILITY
Native Hawaiian beneficiaries deserve transparency and measurable results. I believe OHA should communicate openly, invest resources responsibly, and ensure every decision reflects its constitutional responsibility to serve beneficiaries.COLLABORATION
The greatest solutions come when communities work together. I will bring people to the table, build strong partnerships, and work across organizations and agencies to create lasting impact for our lāhui.MAHALO!
It would be the honor of a lifetime to serve as your OHA At-Large Trustee.
I promise to lead with integrity, work hard every day, listen to our communities, and always remember who I am there to serve.Mahalo nui loa for your consideration.
