Sometimes the only way forward is by looking up. And who better to look up to than those who have walked the path before us?
I first met ‘Uncle’ Keikilani on the Clubhouse app via the Hawai'i Club when the pandemic isolation was nearing its peak in the late Winter/early Spring of 2021. The kind, thoughtfulness in his voice combined with his passion for the Hawaiian islands, the people, and culture, struck me from the start.
I appreciated that a kupuna, as accomplished as he, would take the time to connect with us not so small kids in Human Kine Radio - an art project turned social group, which became a respite for (Hawai'i) local people and friends looking to connect during a time of great disconnect.
The world’s changed a bit since that Clubhouse peak, Human Kine Radio rooms are very few and far (if at all) between, but the relationships made in those spaces have lasted and I’d like to think those relationships have inspired us to be more impactful in the communities that we touch.
I remember one room where Uncle’s passion for leading and rising above the status quo, shined bright, and some early thoughts he shared about the political process. My own Soul Crushing (stay tuned) experience of the political system aside, it gave me hope that possibly some day more conscious, heartfelt people might some day seek to lead.
Fast forward to 2022, it’s refreshing to see such a candidate running for elected office that I can actually believe in. I had a few questions for this insightful, compassionate, Soul + Full person that I felt compelled to ask if he’d be interested in shining his Light upon and sharing.
Fortunate for us all, Dear Readers, he was. And with that, here’s a Q&A with J. Keikilani Ako.
Enjoy.
What does being a servant leader mean to you?
Servant leadership to me means leading with the heart of a servant. That is, with a heart that is full of aloha for one’s constituents and their best interests, not those of the leader.
My website has a video message on the topic which refers to a Hawaiian proverb or ‘Ōlelo Noʻeau:
“E ʻōpū ali’i.”
It exhorts leaders to have the heart of a chief. In native Hawaiian history, chiefs were expected to lead with generosity and kindness. This is my servant leadership model and, as evidence of “E ʻōpū aliʻi,” if I am elected, I will give all of my after-tax earnings as an OHA trustee to scholarships for native Hawaiians.
How does servant leadership relate to the idea of leading with aloha?
As I’ve shared in my response to the question above, aloha is embedded in my servant leadership model. This unconditional aloha, by the way, would extend to my fellow trustees, if I am elected, despite differences we may have in perspectives on issues, as well as to all of OHA’s constituents.
Leading with aloha drives one to building bridges—looking for things that bind and unite us rather than what may separate us, and seeking to move to common ground.
How are our current leaders failing to lead?
My response is not regarding OHA’s leaders per se but political leaders in general. What I perceive is that most, but not all, of our leaders today are not really “public servants.” I donʻt discern true servant’s hearts with very many. Generosity and kindness are not very prominent. In fact, the values and principles, if any, that drive many “public servants” are rarely evident. I look to see whether values and principles are present in decision making on difficult issues and especially in their actions.
Talk is easy but the doing is hard.
Is there anything that our current political leaders are doing that you see worth continuing/are beneficial?
To the extent that some of them do engage in consensus building (but based on solid values and principles rather than political expediency) I believe such is worthy of emulation.
Why should people care about the direction of OHA?
I believe that what benefits native Hawaiians, who are the direct beneficiaries of OHA’s services, benefits all of Hawai'i. Healing the pains of the past that were perpetrated against native Hawaiians and improving their conditions should be seen as justice and should be supported by all who call Hawai'i home today. Social justice strengthens the fabric of our entire community.
I have heard you share that you don't hesitate to speak your mind and have heard you speak your mind. How might you be able to leverage that to disrupt business in order to move OHA forward?
Honestly, I am not interested in disruption. I am interested in building bridges with people who share my concerns about native Hawaiians as a way of moving OHA forward. But, if I am elected, I believe it will be very evident in my discussions and deliberations with my fellow trustees that the Hawaiian values of aloha, pono and mālama (including care for/protecting Hawaiian culture, Hawaiian language and the ʻāina) are vital parts of the lens through which I see things. And I will most definitely speak my truth, particularly as it relates to aloha, pono and mālama.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor? It's a random question but it's worth asking and sharing about bc it can be impactful. Editor’s Note: One of my favorite questions to ask, especially if you’re talking stories.
A fun question needs to have a fun answer: My favorite ice cream is “Hokey Pokey.” The problem is that I have only been able to get it in Aotearoa (New Zealand) where it is extremely popular.
Here’s a picture of it taken on my last trip there with my late sister in September, 2019
Mahalo Uncle for giving our minds, hearts, and Souls such a treat with your words, one as epic looking as the vanilla and honeycomb toffee “Hokey Pokey” must taste!
To Learn More and Support J. Keikilani Ako, click here.
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