VOTE 2012

The SCHHA has claimed a membership base of 30,000 voters.  Now is the time for all good SCHHA members to test the power of the vote.  Please contact all those in your networks and watch to see how magnificently this snowballs.  We all know that Esther is the right choice for all of us.  She is  experienced, mature, is rooted in her culture and faith.  She is loyal.  She is honest and she has integrity.  She carries no political baggage, only humility. FAMILY, vote for Esther in this because she needs the money, and in the election because there is no one else who knows our issues like she does.  She has proven to be able to work with diversity.

Tasha Kama

Maui Island Coordinator

Kiaaina for Congress

CANDIDATE FOR 2nd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF HAWAII

Pass, Tradition, Experience…

Esther Kiaʻaina has over 20 years in public policy and community experience in Washington, D.C., Hawaiʻi, and the Pacific Region, having served as Chief Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Chief of Staff to Congressman Ed Case of Hawaiʻi, Chief of Staff and Legislative Director to Congressman Robert Underwood of Guam, and Legislative Assistant to Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaiʻi. She is known for her expertise in Native Hawaiian issues, the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States of Micronesia, and Asian and Pacific Islander issues. She believes strongly in empowering communities by promoting leadership and capacity building, sustainable solutions, economic-self sufficiency, and business opportunities.

A graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Esther received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Southern California and her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School. She also attended graduate school at the Johns Hopkins University Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C.

Getting to Know Esther…

  • Currently residing in Nanakuli, Oahu, on Hawaiian homestead land that belonged to late maternal grandmother, Louise Hattie Cathcart Talolo
  • Daughter of Lorelei Haunani Kiaʻaina (formerly Anahu), Molokai High School ʻ48, and the late Melvin Leialoha Kiaʻaina, Farrington High School ʻ48.
  • Youngest of Seven Siblings: Keaolamauloa “Duke” Kiaʻaina, Michelle Mamo Kiaʻaina (deceased), Melvin “Kimo” Kiaʻaina, Jr.; Nadine Nomura; Nola Mento; and Ricky Pa.
  • Grandaughter of Joseph Heleluhe Kiaʻaina, Wakiki, Oʻahu; Esther Puakela Kiaʻaina (formerly Ah Sah), Keanae, Maui; Thomas Anahu, Kula, Maui; Louise Hattie Talolo (formerly Cathcart), Nanakuli, Oʻahu
  • Great-grand-daughter of John Kiaʻaina (Waikiki, Oʻahu) and Mary Lucas Lujan (Hakalau,Hawaii Island), both who perished from Hansenʻs Disease (leprosy) in Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi; Emily Maliu (formerly Lani), Kalamaula, Molokaʻi; Abel Kamai Cathcart, Waialua, Molokaʻi; Kupuahelani Ah Sa (formerly Kamakahiki), Keanae, Maui; Ah Sa Liu Ning, Keanae, Maui
  • Great-great-grand-daughter of John and Keoki Kiaʻaina, Waikiki, Oʻahu; Reverend Samuel and Kapehe Kamakahiki, Keanae, Maui; Keoalamauloa Laumana Pakalaka,Waialua, Molokaʻi; Robert Cathcart, Honolulu, Oʻahu

 

U.S. Congressional Experience…

Esther has nearly 20 years of Congressional experience on the inner workings of both the U. S. Senate and House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. and is known for her expertise in federal policy toward Native Hawaiians, Asian and Pacific Islanders, the U.S. Pacific Territories, and the Freely Associated States of Micronesia.

  • Chief of Staff to Hawaii Congressman Ed Case, 2003-2007
  • Chief of Staff/Legislative Director to Guam Congressman Robert Underwood, 1999-2003
  • Legislative Assistant to Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka, 1990-1999
  • Counselor in the U.S. Senate Placement Office, 1989-1990
  • Intern in the U.S. Senate Press Photographersʻ Gallery, Summer 1987
  • Intern to Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye, Spring 1986

 

Hawaii Work and Community Experience…

  • Chief Advocate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, 2009-present
  • Land Asset Manager for the Kamehameha Schoolsʻ Land Assets Division, 2007-2009
  • Member, Prince Kuhio Hawaiian Civic Club, 2006-present
  • Member, Ka Ohana O Kalaupapa, 2006-present
  • Member, Native Hawaiian Bar Association, 2008-present
  • Member, Chaminade University Native Hawaiian Advisory Committee, 2008-2009

 

Educational Background…

  • George Washington University Law School, J.D., 1998 (worked for Senator Akaka while attending law school)
  • The John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, graduate studies, 1986-1988
  • University of Southern California, B.A., 1985
  • Kamehameha High School graduate, 1981
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