Employment history:
UH MĀNOA-KA HULI AO
Research Assistant-Malia Akutagawa, Esq.
Rep. Keohokalole, House District 48
Extern
UH MĀNOA-OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Grad. Assistant
Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation
Extern
Personal statement:
Aloha mai kakou. My name is Keani. I was born and raised on Moloka‘i and currently live on O‘ahu, where my husband and I raise our two keiki.
When I consider participating in this monumental opportunity before our Lāhui, I think about my kuleana to my keiki.
I think about what I want them to learn, the kind of kanaka I hope they will become.
I think about what my actions teach them, the image they will have of their mother, and thereby, of themselves.
I think about the world I want them to grow up in and how important it is that I take an active role in shaping it.
I want them to have faith in the power of our Lāhui, that together, we will see the future we all dream of come to fruition.
I want them to recognize the value in each person, those who have passed, those standing before us, and those soon to come.
This, then, makes me think of my kupuna. What their hopes were for me. What they expected of me. What they taught me, directly and indirectly.
It makes me think of the privileges they afforded me, so that I can ho‘oko my kuleana to them and to our Lāhui.
I look forward to participating in this ‘Aha and giving back to the community that has given so much to me.