Melody K. MacKenzie
Author: YWCA
April 23, 2009
Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie
Assistant Professor of Law
William S. Richardson School of Law
Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie is an Assistant Professor and Director of Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at the William Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai‘i. She is committed to providing opportunities for dialogue on Native Hawaiian issues and to ensuring that Native Hawaiians understand how the law can facilitate their own aspirations and those of their community.
Melody has worked on Native Hawaiian legal issues for over thirty years. In her role at the Law School, she develops and teaches courses on Native Hawaiian law, writes and lectures extensively and is the chief editor of the Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook. Recently, her efforts lead to the approval of a new certificate program in Native Hawaiian Law at the Law School. She also counsels and mentors law students as part of her commitment to developing future leaders.
After receiving her undergraduate degree from Beloit College and her Juris Doctor from UH, she served as a law clerk to Chief Justice William S. Richardson of the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. Melody is an active member of the YWCA; she has taken classes, and is a kumu graduate and current student of Hulau Muhala ‘Ilima, whose classes are taught at the YWCA’s Kokakahi facility.
Leave a comment for Melody
38 Comments
RSS feed for comments on this post.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Dear Pili, congratulations to be among this year’s honorees. I have known you for many years mainly as a dedicated and inspiring kumu at Halau Mohala `Ilima. I am very proud of you and your accomplishments within your expertise of native Hawaiian rights. It is a pleasure to know you.
With Aloha,
Annette Mueller-Dombois
Comment by Annette Mueller-Dombois — May 13, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Professor Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie is an inspiring mentor, friend and leader.
Professor MacKenzie teaches Native Hawaiian Rights and Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law, here in Hawaiʻi. In addition, she provides support to law students in developing practical work experience through the Native Hawaiian Rights Clinic. Prof. MacKenzie provides helpful and meaningful advice to law students regarding a variety of issues and concerns.
As the inaugural director of Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, Prof. MacKenzie is also a silent leader working towards the development of legal advocates of Native Hawaiian issues. Through Ka Huli Ao, Mrs. MacKenzie has created many opportunities for both law students and law school graduates through fellowship programs.
When I was a student, Prof. MacKenzie provided me with the inspiration, guidance and support I needed to accomplish a number of goals. Her supportive and nurturing nature has been and continues to be helpful to many law students. I am confident that there are many more fruits of her labors that is yet to come and I look forward with enthusiasm to see those. It is fitting for the YWCA to feature Prof. Melody Kapilialoha MacKenzie among the this year honorees. Mahalo for recognizing Prof. MacKenzie.
Comment by Derek Kauanoe — June 4, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
Ho’omaika’i e Pili. ‘O’oe ka heke ma kau hana loio a he hana kokua, kako’o ia kakou a pau. Kaukoe!
Comment by Kalani — June 4, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
Prof. MacKenzie, you so totally deserve this award! You have positively impacted my life since I graduated from high school, when I started reading your work. You taught me more than just Native Hawaiian law.
You gave me & my colleagues a safe, learning environment to come up with our own conclusions and encouraged us to focus not just on the letter of the law but also on it’s short and long-term impact to our own communities. You stressed that parties are not just plaintiffs and defendants, but real people who need compassion and a voice. Most importantly, you taught us to be advocates, not just attorneys.
You are such a wonderful role model. I only hope that I can learn more from your quiet strength and be able to emulate you and impact not just individuals, but also generations.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for doing what you do. U da bomb diggity!
Comment by E. Sunny Greer — June 4, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Prof. MacKenzie is one of the jewels of Hawaii. She has blessed her people through her works in developing Native Hawaiian law, through outreach programs and writings to inspire and empower Hawaiians. Prof. MacKenzie also works tirelessly to personally lift those lucky enough to be in her ever broadening circle of influence. Personally helping people like me to find ways to better ourselves through work and study…
Comment by Scott Hovey, Jr. — June 4, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
Melody Mackenzie is a dedicated professor who brings a great perspective to the spectrum of thoughts at Richardson. As a student at the law school, I’ve been fortunate in taking two courses taught by Professor Mackenzie. She brings her passion for the law, with particular focus on Native Hawaiian Rights and the advancement of the Native Hawaiian Community, into the classroom and it is abundantly clear that she enjoys what she does. Her passion and dedication is reflected in her teaching and is an inspiration to her students and those who know her well.
This award is fitting for Professor Mackenzie and recognizes all that she does for her students, as well as her community. Congratulations Professor.
Comment by Chasid M. Sapolu — June 4, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Professor Mackenzie is a role model and inspiration for Native Hawaiians. As a part-time evening law student, I’ve had the privilege to hear her as a guest lecturer, and she exemplifies mastery and excellence. I am looking forward to taking her courses.
Congratulations Professor on this most deserved award!
Comment by Anna Fernandez — June 4, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
Growing up, I was acquainted with Prof. MacKenzie because of her long-standing relationship with Halau Mohala ‘Ilima. Because I worked in a bookstore during college, I was also familiar with her Native Hawaiian Law Handbooks, but never really had the chance to really learn from this quiet but influential woman.
When I attended Richardson School of Law, I was fortunate enough to have opportunities to nurture our existing relationship by enrolling in her courses. Finally, I had the opportunity to learn about how American law was applied to Native Hawaiian issues from a woman who was so experienced in this area. Even more important than that, however, were the lessons that I learned from her about perseverance, taking the high road, and the power of actions over words.
This recognition is so well-deserved, as Prof. MacKenzie is truly one of the most inspiring Hawaiian female leaders, teachers and mentors at Richardson School of Law. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to gain some insight from this wonderful woman and am proud to be able to call her not only my teacher, but my friend. E ho’omaika’i ia ‘oe, e Prof. MacKenzie.
Comment by Lihau Hanahs — June 4, 2009 @ 11:23 pm
I met Auntie Pili as a young haumana at Halau Mohala `Ilima. Her quiet, humble, and graceful stature was a reassuring presence to all of us. I strove to find a place within that was like her ‘ano -I always thought she carried herself in the same manner as Pauahi, the Princess that we were all taught to revere. I remember the first time I saw her picture, on TV or in a newspaper or something — wearing a black robe, in front of rows and rows of books - I thought she must have been a judge. I thought “Wow!” Although I was fortunate to be surrounded by many talented Hawaiian professionals growing up, I didn’t know any that did law.
For everything you have done Auntie, from helping us kamali’i get dressed and teaching us our basics to standing up as a strong, intelligent, and determined leader in your field, mahalo piha. You are a shining star that will light the path for those who follow for generations to come.
Comment by Nara Springer Cardenas — June 5, 2009 @ 7:06 am
A Hawaiian proverb emphasizes a certain type of leader. Ka pouhana. Literally, the main post. The person on whom others depend for leadership and guidance—the core of the group. This is one of the many roles that Professor Melody MacKenzie successfully fills here at the William S. Richardson School of Law.
I came to law school specifically to become a defender of Native Hawaiian rights and institutions. And from the beginning, Prof. MacKenzie has been there to guide me down that path. From her very first email welcoming me into the law school ‘ohana months before my first 1L class began to her outstanding teaching in my current Native Hawaiian rights class, her efforts as an educator and mentor have already greatly affected me in my legal education. Over the past two years, Prof. MacKenzie has answered every one of my many questions about possible career choices, pro bono placement, course offerings, Second Year Seminar topics, and other issues affecting the Hawaiian community. She made me feel as though every question mattered, responding quickly and thoroughly each time. I realize this is not an easy task, as she has many students who need questions answered and many other important shoes to fill. This makes her all the more special.
I was lucky enough to spend one summer working as a part-time research assistant for Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law. With Prof. MacKenzie’s guidance, I honed my research and writing skills by producing an article for the Center’s newsletter, Ka He’e. Her helpful comments and encouraging words about the article instilled in me the confidence I needed to feel as though I am truly making a contribution to the Native Hawaiian community. Given my interests in her area of expertise, it was an awesome feeling.
In light of the unique culture and location of our wonderful school, Prof. MacKenzie’s knowledge and experience is integral to our learning community. She has proven a wonderful resource to students, faculty, and the larger community alike. As the Director of Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, Chief Editor of the Native Hawaiian Handbook, co-advisor of the Hui, and a brilliant mind behind many lawsuits involving Native Hawaiian rights, Prof. MacKenzie has much to offer everyone. Her role in establishing the original Pacific Asian Legal Studies Certificate with a specialization in Native Hawaiian Law and what is now known as the Native Hawaiian Law certificate is also significant; the establishment of this certificate has created a tangible goal for those of us interested in Native Hawaiian issues while also further validating this important area of law.
I feel extremely lucky to have had the pleasure of personally experiencing the aloha and ‘ike (knowledge) of a professor so vital to the curriculum and environment of our amazing law school. For that reason, I am happy to see that Professor Melody MacKenzie is among the YWCA’s honorees this year.
Comment by Ashley K. Obrey — June 5, 2009 @ 7:37 am
I have been fortunate enough to have taken three classes from Professor MacKenzie during my time at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law. Additionally, she has mentored me while I worked toward my Pacific Asian Legal Studies Certificate with an emphasis in Native Hawaiian Law.
As another law student mentioned above, Professor MacKenzie welcomed me to the law school before I even took my first class! Having never attended WSRSL, I had numerous questions and anxieties, which Professor MacKenzie helped me with by answering all of my questions in a timely manner via email.
As my adviser in the PALS-Native Hawaiian Law certificate program, Professor MacKenzie’s door was always open for her students. Even though she is a very busy woman, Professor MacKenzie always made time for us!
Professor MacKenzie is one of the most caring and hardworking professors at the law school. She is very deserving of this award. Congratulations Professor MacKenzie!
Comment by Nicholas Lee — June 5, 2009 @ 9:38 am
Pro. MacKenzie is more than deserving of this award. She is one of the most kind, humble, and intelligent persons I have ever met. Through her education and expertise she works for the betterment of the Hawaiian people. She is an inspiration to me and I am ecstatic to get the opportunity to learn more from her.
Comment by Haaheo Kahoohalahala — June 5, 2009 @ 10:28 am
Prof. MacKenzie completely deserves this award. She is one of the best examples of how to succesfully be a Hawaiian in a western field. She is an incredible professor, mentor and friend to many at the lawschool and throughout the Hawaiian community. I look forward to taking her class next semester. Mahalo for all you’ve done Prof. Mackenzie.
Comment by Maxwell K. Kopper — June 5, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Melody is likely the most humble, yet most deserving, recipient of such a high honor from the YWCA. I’ve known her for 30 years and she has gotten very little recognition for the decades of academic, legal, and community contributions she has offered to advance the interests of Hawaiian rights, culture and community.
Her contributions reach as far back as when she, as a law student, worked with early Hawaiian leaders like John Waihe`e, on the unprecedented defenses of those Hawaiians who defied the U.S. Navy to occupy Kaho`olawe in the mid-1970’s . She clerked for Chief Justice Richardson during some of his most productive years as a jurist addressing land, water, access, natural resouce protection, and Hawaiian cultural issues. She was one of the first attorneys to work at Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, ultimately succeeding Boyce Brown to serve as one of its early executive directors. She was the chief administrator for the Individual Claims Review Panel, which oversaw and investigated thousands of claims filed by those native Hawaiians victimized by state breaches of the Hawaiian Home Lands trust since Statehood. She is chief editor of the Native Hawaiian Rights Handbook, now undergoing its second revision. She has co-counseled major ground-breaking cases advancing Hawaiian rights, ranging from her early work on the Pele Defense Fund lawsuit, to her work most recently with the OHA challenge to the sale of ceded lands. Her current work with the Center for Native Hawaiian Excellence is invaluable to nurturing the next generation of young Hawaiian lawyers. She has forged a stellar path in her illustrious career. I can think of few like her who have added such valuable layers of knowledge, wisdom, scholarship, leadership, and care to the foundations built for the advancement of the interests of Hawaiians, over the years, at such critical moments in recent history.
Of course, she has never sought fame or recognition, so this news is most welcome. Humility seems to be in such short supply in many of her contemporaries about whom you hear too often. Most important of all, she has been and is truly a nice person throughout it all, even started driving a Prius years ago. I doubt if anyone has heard a harsh word said about her publicly or privately throughout her brilliant career. I really think history will treat her in the kindest way.
Melody is one of those native treasures whose scholarship, patience, and presence at any given moment may appear modest; yet, when you look back over the years and her cumulative contributions, one would wonder how anything could have happened without her. I have felt honored and grateful each time I have been able to work with her. She’s always forced me to think about my positions, question it to assure it is grounded, and inspired me to persevere.
Many more kudos to you Pilialoha; each one you have received, and will hopefully receive, is so well and richly deserved.
Comment by Alan T. Murakami — June 5, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
For over thirty years Melody has been part of our group of a dozen professional women who get together regularly… to support one another and our communities, talk story, and share a meal. While I know her to be of the highest calibre in her career, my perspective is from the personal: Melody is an extremely loyal and supportive friend. She rallies behind any one of us who needs help or encouragement. Whether it be helping out when someone is ill, listening and counseling, or pitching in with a project. This facet of a leader’s personality is equal to, if not more important than, any successes in the business arena, and Melody has earned our respect many times over for her kindness and compassion.
Comment by C.E. Lusk — June 6, 2009 @ 11:46 am
I can’t say that growing up with my older sister Melody that I could see what she would become; a Hawaiian scholar, a lawyer, a professor, a kumu hula, an expert on Hawaiian law, a quiet leader helping to create (recreate) a Hawaiian nation.
What I do remember most vividly about my older sister is her love of books and learning, her pursuit of academic excellence and her gentle tolerance of her younger brother’s insistence on being included in everything she did. I always knew that my sister Melody was smart, that when she was focused on a topic she would study it until she had mastered it. I knew that Melody was graceful, having watched her perform at numerous hula recitals growing up. Most of all, I knew she was kind. She rarely got mad at me (except when I really deserved it) and never stayed mad more than a moment or two.
That my sister Melody is a special person is something I realized only as I became an adult. It is gratifying to see that others are recognizing her for the treasure she is. Melody I am proud of you, I am awed by you, I am humbled by you.
Congratulations, Guy.
Comment by Guy Mackenzie — June 6, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Dear Melody ,
Congratulations on receiving the LeaderLuncheon Leadership Award. I am so proud of you. I remember the summer you returned to Hawaii and decided to go to the Richardson School of Law. You had a Hawaiian history book with you everywhere we went even when we went out to hear music. Looking back you were setting a course for your future. Because of your passion and devotion to hula and Hawaiian rights you have created a passion in your Massachusetts family for hula and Hawaiian rights. It started when the kids were little. We watched your last Merry Monarch performance so much that the kids created their own version of Johnny Lum Ho’s hula about the vacuum cleaner using their stuffed animals as brooms. They performed it especially for you when we came to visit that summer. Your Christmas presents are always opened last because they are so special. They tie us to you and to Hawaii. You have given us countless Merry Monarch videos to feed my passion for hula. You have given us history books, photography books and literature about Hawaii. You have made certain that your half Irish niece and nephews living in Massachusetts identify with their Hawaiian heritage. They keep up on Hawaiian issues because of you. They write to their legislators because Aunty Melody is working on an issue. They love Hawaii with a passion because you developed aloha aina in them. We all love you and are so proud of you, Melody. Tess Mackenzie
Comment by Tess Mackenzie — June 7, 2009 @ 1:54 am
Congratulations Aunty!!!! Samira and I feel so proud to have an aunty who has accomplished so much. We are truly amazed! Melody Mackenzie on top of being a wonderful professor and asset to the Hawaiian Community is an extremely loving aunty and despite how busy she sounds accomplishing so much she always has the time to think of her family. Congratulations Aunty!
Comment by Kapono Chung — June 8, 2009 @ 6:09 am
We are so grateful for your years of service to our lahui. Mahalo. Yuki
Comment by Yuklin Aluli — June 8, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Congratulations Honey! The recognition and acknowledgements reflect a well lived life, the many ways that you make a difference, and the esteem and appreciation people have for you. For me, I think that the best way I can express it is to tell you that I am a better person for having you in my life. I love you. Your husband, Larry.
Comment by Larry Araki — June 8, 2009 @ 10:58 am
As many of our ali‘i in the past, Melody MacKenzie has transformed her foresight and concern for the Native Hawaiian people into action that will continue to have effects on the well being of our community into the future. Having been a part of and witnessing a plethora of legal issues concerning the Native Hawaiian community, Melody had a vision to create Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, a training ground for future attorneys.
Her initial vision and hard work is analogous to a ripple in the pond. Having only started four years ago Ka Huli Ao has already brought major changes to the William S. Richardson School of Law. Today we have more courses, well-respected professors, internships, fellowships, research positions, and litigation training opportunities, all related to Native Hawaiian legal issues. Further, students have the opportunity to obtain a certificate in Native Hawaiian Law, a message to the world of their commitment.
In addition to the work that she does at the law school, Melody is also intimately involved in Native Hawaiian legal cases. She has worked on some of the most significant Native Hawaiian legal cases over the last 30 years, from helping to defend the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana right after law school, to working tirelessly with the homesteaders who have been waiting on the Homestead List, to the most recent “Ceded Lands” case. Melody is passionate about the work that she does, and more than once I have seen her shed tears in frustration, anger, and sadness over a set back.
There is no question that Melody MacKenzie is an inspiration for the Native Hawaiian community, she has definitely been an inspiration for me. She is my professor, my mentor, and my friend. Congratulations Professor MacKenzie, you are truly one of the heros of your generation.
Comment by Jocelyn Doane — June 8, 2009 @ 11:04 am
Mel is one of the greatest Hawaiian leaders I know, because she has single-handedly created extraordinary opportunities for young Hawaiians through Ka Huli Ao. I am one of countless Hawaiians who had the honor of watching her amazing dream become a reality.
I was one of the Center’s first post-JD fellows, and I am say with great pride and certainty that this opportunity enabled me to finish critical work with Hawaiian organizations (work I continue today, many years later) and a PhD in Hawaiian natural resource management. Melody made these achievements possible. It is an honor to be associated with the center and this amazing woman.
Above all else, Mel teaches each of us who work with her humility. She is the embodiment of ha`aha`a. She teaches each of us that even during times of stress and strife, it is important to act with grace; to give without expectation of recognition; to holomua.
I am honored to know her. She is truly an example for us all.
Congratulations, Mel!
Comment by Trisha Kehaulani Watson — June 9, 2009 @ 8:08 am
Congratulations, Melody! This award is fantastic and so deserved! Your scholarly pursuits have benefited the community in so many ways. You’ve created a place for community conversations on Native Hawaiian legal issues and welcome all who are interested in listening and learning. Thank you for all that you do, and congratulations! Cecelia Chang
Comment by Cecelia Chang — June 9, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
Congratulations Melody from your extended family in Connecticut!!! Your passion for Native Hawaiian legal issues and your dedication to mentoring & teaching future leaders shines all the way across the country. We are sure that the effects of your passion on those around you, like a pebble cast into the water of life, are creating ripples more far reaching than you could ever imagine. Congratulations, Carmen & Mark Hines.
Comment by Mark & Carmen Hines — June 11, 2009 @ 4:29 am
Aunty Melody, to say I am proud of all you have done would be an understatement. I am also thankful for all the work you have done on behalf of the Native Hawaiian community. And, for keeping your family in the diaspora connected to the culture at the heart of who we are as Hawaiians. Congratulations for all your hard work.
Comment by David Keali`i MacKenzie — June 12, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
He hoʻomaikaʻi aloha kēia iāʻoe e Kumu MacKenzie! Prof. MacKenzie is well deserving of this award. She really helped me get through law school. As a first year student in law school, I found myself wondering why I had chosen this path. I was lost. So I sought after the guidance and love of Prof. MacKenzie. I enrolled in two of her classes in my second semester and absolutely enjoyed. She has the biggest heart and is so loving. I really felt like she was a mother to me at the William S. Richardson School of Law. Congratulations!
Comment by Kaʻanoʻi Walk — June 12, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
Congratulations Auntie I’m so proud of you. You inspire me to be a better person. Thank you for being the kind, loving, heartwarmingly humble person you are.
Comment by Beth Mackenzie — June 13, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
Dear Melody, I just wanted congratulate you on this honor as a fellow honoree. While I may not know you, I am proud to be celebrating this moment together. Best wishes. Signe Godfrey
Comment by Signe A Godfrey — June 14, 2009 @ 9:02 pm
I’ve known Melody Mackenzie for about 18 years
Through that time she has been unfailingly gracious and patient with me as I learned something of Hawaiian culture and issues through conversation, reading and Hula.
Her dedication and scholarship are most impressive; the Hawaiian people could have no better advocate and ambassador.
But it is her gentility, wonderful sense of humor, and practical compassion that warms my heart every time I see her. In addition the depth of her friendship with my wife Cathy touches me deeply.
I am so happy for her gaining this award. Harry Palmer
Comment by Harry Palmer — June 14, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
The comments on your website signify that you are a well-respected,and beloved role-model,teacher,and leader who inspires, encourages, and motivates people you get in touch with.Congratulations on being recognized by the YWCA. I am honored to be in your company.Best wishes for more success, and good health always!
Comment by Dr. Erlinda Cachola — June 15, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
Akahai, lokahi, `olu`olu, ha`aha`a, ahonui –kindness, unity, pleasantness, humility, and patience- these are the words used to freely translate the aloha spirit as set forth in our own state law. They are also traits possessed by Melody MacKenzie.
Among the many gifts she has given to us, I believe that one of Melody MacKenzie’s most lasting contributions to our community is that she models for future generations the expression of the aloha spirit with an unstinting work ethic, a meticulous attention to detail, and a high standard of legal scholarship.
Aloha also is described “as the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence”. This is the essence of leadership, and Melody MacKenzie quietly conveys this to others, not just her students. Aloha is further said to mean “to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.”
For more that thirty years, Melody has been a reassuring presence in my life, hearing what is not said and seeing what cannot been seen. Now, with Ka Huli Ao, the Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, there is a place perhaps where we in Hawai may once more hear what is not said and see what cannot be seen. May we come to know the unknowable, and share it with each other and the world.
I am delighted, proud, and beyond happy to add my best wishes to you, Melody!
Comment by Catherine Chang — June 15, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
Congratulations, MKM, on this well-deserved honor! You are an inspiration and example to your family, colleagues, and friends.
Comment by Cathy & Lo-El Chun-Hoon — June 16, 2009 @ 7:36 am
I’m so proud to call someone so dedicated, talented and wise my aunty. Her immense commitment to the Hawaiian culture and nation serves as an example to all of us. As my official ‘driving instructor,’ she demonstrated true courage and bravery when faced with my (w)reckless navigation of the Pali commute. During these stolen moments, I gained insight into how much she cared about her students, her family, and her practice. Aunty Melody, we love you! Congratulations!
Comment by Lucas Chung — June 16, 2009 @ 10:36 am
Melody,
Thank you for your friendship, wisdom, and selflessness. You truly lead by example; a fact clearly confirmed through this award. Congratulations! It is truly a pleasure and my privilege to know you. Moses
Comment by Moses Haia — June 17, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
Congratulations Melody,
While I have not had the pleasure of working with you while you were at the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation you remain a valuable and integral part of our `ohana. Your willingness to provide sound advice and continued assistance is greatly appreciated. Mahalo,
The Proud Grammy of Pilialoha
Comment by Sugi Carlson — June 17, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Aloha Melody - I wanna be like you when I grow up! I love the fact that you have a scholar’s mind (razor sharp) and a heart that would gladden Mother Teresa. I remember you explaining some legal precendent to me in way that was clear and concrete and somewhere in between your tears would start to flow as you got to the part of how it affected the people we serve. You deserve all the best & so much more. Thank you for being a gracious friend & leader.
Comment by Becky Ashizawa — June 18, 2009 @ 9:05 am
Congratulations. I don’t know which I’ve enjoyed witnessing more through the years. Your infinite capacity to love by sharing, caring, giving, and teaching. Or simply watching you dance at the Merry Monarch festival. I’ll choose hula simply because Kapilialoha comes shining through. Aloha pumehana.
Comment by Teri Gomes — June 18, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
Aloha, Melody - We (Lucas, Samira, Kapono, Chahn and I)are pleased and so happy that your excellent work and dedication are being recognized. I wish that I were there to celebrate with you! Congratulations! Love, Lei
Comment by Lei MacKenzie Chung — June 19, 2009 @ 4:05 am