HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0200.021 2024-2026 P/Goem,
comm. 200
From: Jamee Miller
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2025 7:42 PM
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Inaba, Holeka; Onishi, Dennis; Kimball, Heather; Kagiwada,Jennifer; Kierkiewicz,
Ashley; Galimba, Michelle M.;Villegas, Rebecca; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Hustace,
James f7.2
Subject: Comm. 200: Nomination of Rebecca Kawehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning :c- w
Commission ` ',r.
Aloha Hawaii Island Council Members, :1.4
My name is Dr.Jamee Mahealani Miller, and I am honored to submit my strong and wholehearted support
for the nomination of Kawehi Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission. Over the years, I have had the
opportunity to work alongside Kawehi in both professional and personal spaces, and I can speak with
confidence to the depth of her character, the caliber of her leadership, and her steadfast dedication to
the well-being of our island communities. Her ability to lead with clarity and cultural alignment,while
fostering genuine relationships, makes her an invaluable contributor in any decision-making arena.
As a community advocate and educator with a background in Native Hawaiian education and strategic
planning, I have collaborated with Kawehi through various initiatives, particularly through her role as
Executive Director of La`i'Opua 2020. Kawehi has consistently demonstrated the ability to bridge
community aspirations with practical solutions. She brings a deep awareness of the historical and
contemporary issues impacting Hawaii island and works diligently to ensure that Native Hawaiian values
are reflected in programs, policies and delivery.Whether advocating for water resources, designing
place-based programs, or coordinating efforts across sectors, her approach is always deliberate,well-
informed, and community-first.
Beyond our working relationship, I know Kawehi as a person of integrity and compassion. Kawehi's
leadership is guided by a profound sense of kuleana. She doesn't simply show up—she commits. I've
witnessed her build trust across diverse groups, engage in difficult conversations with empathy, and
persist in the face of challenges with clarity and purpose.Whether in professional meetings or personal
conversations, she is consistent to her values and her vision.These qualities are vital for anyone serving
on a body tasked with shaping the future of our communities.
Furthermore, her ability to balance long-term planning with the immediate needs of our kaiaulu is
something I deeply admire. Kawehi understands that effective planning requires more than policy
knowledge, it requires deep relationships, cultural intelligence and an unwavering focus on fairness for
all. She brings all of this and more.
I urge you to support her nomination without hesitation. Kawehi will be thoughtful, capable and a values-
aligned member of the Leeward Planning Commission. Her voice will contribute to decisions that honor
the past, present and future generations. Her presence will bring strength, perspective and heart to any
table she sits at. Mahalo for allowing me the opportunity to support the nomination of Rebecca Kawehi
Inaba to the Leeward Planning Commission. Comm. s
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With Much Aloha,
Jamee M Miller
`Ekolu Mea Nui
AN4IL:,„!04„.
Jamee Mahealani Miller, Ed.D, LSW
Ekolu Mea Nui
Co-Executive Director
Phone: 808-430-3380
Email:jamee@ekolumeanui.org
Website: www.ekolumeanui.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekolu.mea.nui
Tnstagrarn:@ekolu.mea.nui
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