White House

OK what I failed to mention is that this was the first time that the Native Hawaiians were able to 'sit at the table' and discuss our wishes. The White House on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders was signed by President Obama in October 2009. It addresses the disparities of the APIA communities. This was created by an executive order which is the highest action a President can take while in office. Bottom line, the goal is to improve the quality of life for the APIA by providing access and participation opportunities for our people. It studies/learns the needs of our people AND looks for the solution! YEAH! Obama created an Advisory Commission of 20 people concentrating on strategic priorities for the APIA in Health, Eduction, Poverty and Economic Development. It creates a pipeline for the APIA to the federal government. In attendance were Kiran Ahuja (executive director on the White House Initiative for AAPI), Kim Tiki (Senior POlicy Advisor for OPE Native Americans) and Kimo Kaloi of the Department of Interior. Mahalo to Leimomi Khan (Pelekikena for the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs) for speaking on behalf of all of us informing the White House - that we want to be a part of the solution - let us help! For more information on the initiative visit www.aapi.gov