Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02) issued the following statement today on the Department of Interior’s announcement of Biden-Harris Administration Native Hawaiian appointees, Summer Sylva and Keone Nakoa:
“I want to thank President Joe Biden and Secretary Deb Haaland for advancing opportunities for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders within the U.S. Department of Interior and congratulate Summer Sylva and Keone Nakoa on their selections to serve as Senior Advisor for Native Hawaiian Affairs and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of International and Insular Affairs, respectively.
“Summer has been a tireless advocate for Native Hawaiian communities throughout her career. As the Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, she worked diligently to protect the rights, customs and practices that strengthen Native Hawaiian identity and culture. In this new role, Summer will provide necessary oversight and leadership at the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations and I am certain she will continue to be a strong voice for our Native Hawaiian community and serve in a broader capacity for the betterment of our country and all indigenous peoples.
“As the former Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Keone played a key role in advancing the goals and strengths of Native Hawaiians to effect positive change. I look forward to watching Keone continue to champion the goals of native peoples throughout Oceania and the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as prioritize the federal renewal of our agreements with our COFA nations. I have no doubt Keone will make significant contributions in this new position.”