Умер лидер движения за права коренных гавайцев Камачи Канахеле в возрасте 81 года

Kamaki Kanahele, a ‘true leader of the Hawaiian homestead movement’ dies at 81 Kamaki Kanahele — a leader in the homestead movement who was committed to addressing health disparities faced by Native Hawaiians in Waianae and across the state — died July 27 in Waianae. He was 81. Kanahele established the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the Center for Traditional Native Hawaiian Healing. Maile Luuwai, vice chair of the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, described Kanahele as “a true leader of the Hawaiian homestead movement and a man whose life was dedicated to our people, our lands, and our right to determine our own future.” “When homestead leaders from across Hawaii came together in 1987 to form what became the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, Kamaki became the first leader elected by homesteaders to serve as its chairman,” Luuwai said. “He helped build the foundation that brought homestead communities together across our pae aina — giving beneficiaries a stronger, united voice and advancing the principles of self-determination, self-governance, and Hawaiian control of Hawaiian lands.” Kali Watson, chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, remembered Kanahele as “a visionary leader whose life’s work strengthened Hawaiian Home Lands and the communities they serve.” “Kamaki believed that Hawaiian Home Lands were more than places to live — they were places where Native Hawaiian families could thrive. Through his leadership in creating SCHHA, an assembly of homestead associations statewide, and the Nanakuli Village Center, he helped fulfill Prince Kuhio’s vision by building not just homes, but stronger communities rooted in aloha, service, and hope.” Don't miss out on what's happening! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE! Thomas “Kamaki” Awa Kanahele III was born into a large Hawaiian family in Waianae. His father died unexpectedly when Kanahele was still young and he spent several years living with his grandparents on Niihau. Kanahele returned to Oahu in time to graduate from Waianae High School and to then continue his education at the Church College of Hawaii (Brigham Young University-Hawaii), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, and then at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he completed the master’s in education program. Kanahele was teaching high school art history in Salt Lake City when he was asked to help reduce racial conflicts between Ute youth and Hispanic teen groups. His success as a peacemaker in Salt Lake City resulted in his appointment as director of the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington, D.C. It was there that he learned first hand about how politics operates on the national level. Back in Hawaii, Kanahele spent the rest of his life contributing to the well-being of Hawaiian communities across the state. He played an important role in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and served as an at-large OHA representative. He developed the SCHHA to represent the interests of Hawaiian homestead beneficiaries, helped start what became the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and added a cultural alternative to mainstream Western medical practices with the creation of a native Hawaiian traditional health center to provide traditional health services. Kanahele’s service to the community included chairing the Kupuna Council of practitioners of Hawaiian healing traditions in West Oahu, building a cultural center at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and establishing a training center for future practitioners of traditional Hawaiian medical techniques. “Kamaki leaves us more than an organization,” Luuwai said. “He leaves us a movement. His legacy lives in every homestead leader who stands up for our beneficiaries, every community that fights to protect its aina, and every generation that understands that our strength comes from standing together.” A celebration of life was held on Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Andrew at Queen Emma Square.