Today, Native Hawaiians stand before an uncharted journey, filled with exciting new opportunities.

Our journey ahead brings into focus the need for strong Hawaiian leadership.

As we move forward, what we need as a Lahui is leadership that understands that where the journey ends is less important than making sure that we all arrive there together.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board Chair Robert Lindsey Jr. in September 2015. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

This is the most significant challenge for a people great in number but diverse in so many ways.

I believe that , who is seeking re-election to represent Hawaii Island on the Board of Trustees of the , is the type of leader the Hawaiian community needs for this journey.

I have known Bob for a long time. He worked for me at , and managed 265,000 acres of the Princess’s lands on Hawaii Island.

Bob understands that Hawaiian unity is not an impossibility. Yes, disagreement is part of who we are. But our differences do not have to divide us.

He is a humble servant leader with tremendous integrity. When confronted with challenges, Bob listens first and carefully considers all sides.

He then makes decisions firmly grounded in our values of aloha, ha’aha’a and pono, while ensuring that everyone is聽heard and their mana’o respected. Time and again, I have seen Bob do this.

You see, Bob understands that Hawaiian unity is not an impossibility.

Yes, disagreement is part of who we are as a people.

But our differences do not have to divide us. Difficult decisions rendered with aloha, ha’aha’a and pono can maintain our deep genealogical bonds as we move forward.

Bob Lindsey has long demonstrated this style of Hawaiian leadership, and I humbly ask that you help ensure that he can continue to help lead us on this journey. I mua.

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