Office of Hawaiian Affairs staffers Kevin Chak and Kale Hannahs were recently named as OHA’s first Alakaʻi Award recipients.
The newly established Alakaʻi Award is presented quarterly to OHA staff who daily embody the organization’s values through their actions, leadership and decision-making. It recognizes individuals who demonstrate commitment to OHA’s mission and consistently go “above and beyond.”
“The Alakaʻi Award is given to those who lead with excellence, integrity, and humility – those who model our values not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard,” explained OHA Board of Trustees Chairperson Kaialiʻi Kahele. “An alakaʻi leads by example, uplifts others, and creates a work environment rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and perseverance. This is leadership not by title, but by action, character, and heart.”
Senior Systems Engineer and Administrator Kevin Chak has been with OHA for seven years. He is respected by his colleagues for being thoughtful, resourceful and solution-focused – a person who is undeterred by complex challenges. His positive attitude and his respect, appreciation, and gratitude for his team make him an exceptional leader.
Recently, Chak was asked to serve as interim IT director – a kuleana he accepted without hesitation – carrying the additional workload with professionalism, humility, and his trademark positivity.
One of his colleagues captured it perfectly: “Kevin demonstrates these values and characteristics consistently, day in and day out. It is so refreshing to observe this kind of leadership, and I always look forward to working with him whenever I have the chance.”
Research Systems Manager Kahoʻokeleholu “Kale” Hannahs has been at OHA for more than 19 years. Quiet and unassuming, Hannahs is nevertheless a respected leader at the organization and known for being collaborative, innovative, integrous and insightful. Hannahs has consistently demonstrated a long-term commitment to OHA’s mission and vision.
Hannahs exemplified these traits during a severe organizational staffing shortage that began during the pandemic, singlehandedly managing OHA’s three external databases: Papakilo, Hale Noelo and Kīpuka. He didn’t just keep them operational during that time – he grew them.
“Kale is extremely haʻahaʻa (humble) about his contributions to OHA and has demonstrated exceptional ahonui (patience) over the years,” said a colleague. “His commitment to the organization is truly outstanding and worthy of merit.”
Mahalo nui loa to Kevin and Kale and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
