Supporting the next generation and planting Kalo with the young farmer Keala at Ola Mau Farm on the island of Maui
With former U.S. Congresswoman Pat Saiki, a great lady, and my good friend and supporter.
As a student at Kamehameha, I became the school court chanter. Eventually, I chanted for the hālau of a renowned kumu hula, with whom I transcribed a collection of ancient chants. That training gave me a deep appreciation for Hawaiian knowledge and culture. To this day, chanting is an important personal and cultural practice.
When many OHA trustees abused their "Trustee Allowances," I refused to use mine and returned $44,400 to the beneficiaries of OHA. Civil Beat quoted the State Auditor: The “questionable use” of the funds may erode public confidence in OHA ...resulting in trustees committing breaches for trust and fiduciary duties...Trustee Kelii Akina has never spent his allowance. -- VOTE AKINA, because OHA needs a watchdog!
As a father and OHA Trustee, I am grateful and proud that my four children are all graduates of Kamehameha Schools. Like my siblings and ancestors before us, we are beneficiaries of Princess Pauahi and Charles Reed Bishop. I have encouraged my children also to become benefactors, giving back daily to society.
My 91-year old mother Marian Lupenui Akina reminded me of a Hawaiian proverb she gave me: "I lele no ka lupe i ke pole." - It is the tail that makes the kite fly. In other words, always be humble because it is the people who make a leader great.
WWII Sweethearts William K.C. Akina & Marian Lupenui: My Mom & Dad while he was a young Army Air Corps recruit and she worked on assembling military airplanes. They met when Mom was volunteering to sell war bonds in front of a Spreckles Theatre in San Diego. Dad served our country for more than thirty years, retiring as an Air Force Senior Master-Sergeant.