Papa Alaka‘i (Governing Board)

We preserve and perpetuate the culture and traditions of Hawai‘i

CHRIS NALANI LADD

Pelekikena (President)


MARY BUZA-SIMS

Hope Pelekikena (Vice President)

Aloha! I was born on the beautiful garden island of Kaua’i in the town of Waimea. I attended St. Theresa Catholic School, St. Francis High School.  I received my B. A. Of Education from Seattle University, my Master’s of Social Work from the University of Washington and my Principal’s Certificate from Western Washington University. I'm married with 4 children and 11 mo’opuna and 3 hanai mo’opuna. I retired after 42 years in education. I started a Hawaiian bakery formerly known as Kaua’i Desserts now known today as Cakes of Paradise Bakery own and operated by my sons. I am a proud member of MAWHCC.

MARI HELENIHI

Kākau ‘Ōlelo (Secretary)


SANDRA COX

Pu‘ukū (Treasurer)

Aloha! My name is Sandra Cox, and I am currently finishing up a dual licensure in Elementary Education and Special Education. And while I am not of Hawaiian blood, I sure am Hawaiian at heart! I joined the Mokuaina A Wakinekona Hawaiian Civic Club in 2014 after being embraced by the Hawaiian Culture and Ohana! I immediately jumped in to help wherever I could and found my niche as the Pu'uku/Treasurer and as a leader on the Aha Mele Committee. I love everything Hawaiian from the music, culture, dance and islands to the language and traditions and especially the ono food, all of it feels like home!

KAMALEI BRANDON

Kilo I‘a (Director)


LESLIE K. CHERRY

Kilo I‘a (Director)

My name is Leslie K. Cherry. I have been in the background helping to direct corporate funding and resources to non-profit organizations for more than 10 years. 

I am passionate about reclaiming my heritage. I was never the woman that could play an instrument or sing or dance, but  I am the woman who can advocate, support and collaborate. 

I want to use my skillset to drive awareness, inclusion and cultural growth in our communities.

BENJAMIN KAEHA BAKER

Kilo I‘a (Director)

Mahalo Ke Akua for his blessings and my family for their support. I couldn’t have accomplished what I have without them. I am the 2nd son of 8 children of Edna Maile and Jack Napahuelua Jr and named after my grandfather, Benjamin Kaeha Kanealii Sr. whose Papakolea homestead was my birthplace. 

We moved to Tacoma, WA in the late 1960’s where I learned to play guitar from my Godmother, Aunty Myrtle K Hilo and later entertained with my parents as part of ‘Keaka and the Serenaders.’  After graduating from Lincoln HS my first job was working at Mount Rainier clearing trails and assisting the Park Rangers. This led to becoming a police officer with the Puyallup Tribe and over the 40+ years in law enforcement I am now at the rank of Lieutenant. I am proud of the work I have done with the Puyallup nation and my contributions to its growth.

ALI‘IOLANI NAIPO

Pelekikena Iho Nei  (Past-President)

Aloha! I've been a founding club member of MAWHCC since 2006. For many years, my family and I have been very active locally in our Hawaiian community activities and events. 

I completed BS degree in Human Resource Development program of University of Illinois at Carbondale / McChord Airforce Base. I recently retired after 29 years working as a WA State employee with Division of Children and Family Services. Family is everything to me. I'm a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I look forward to working closely with our members to engage our community and grow our club.