How important is Hawaiian culture to OHA beneficiaries and what role should OHA play in its perpetuation?
Without culture, the term Hawaiian has little meaning. Hawaiian culture not only adds value to the culture of our home, but is the centerpiece of Hawaiʻi’s global brand. OHA needs to nuture our living keepers of the culture – kumu hula, chanters, navigators and practitioners in all the arts and sciences that define us as a people. The key to Hawaiian cultural revitalization is culturally-rooted yet globally directed education. Through culturally rooted education Hawaiians can make their own way in modern society and add value to the current economy with new ideas and ways of doing things. Hawaii’s Language Immersion schools are great examples of how a culturally rooted education results in individual empowerment, dignity, and sense of cultural pride. OHA has recognized the value of such education, but has yet to become a leader in cultural educational programming and funding. I hope to be part of pushing the board further in the direction of enriching culturally rooted educational
