Blanche McMillan

Name Blanche McMillan

Age 68

Town/Moku waimanalo

Island oʻahu

Leadership Category mauli ola

Nominated by Mabel Ann Keliihoomalu

Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.

I come from a family of 17 siblings. My father and mother showed us how to share with the community by inviting homeless or others with problems to come to our house, get food, take a shower, get clean clothes, then they would go on their way. For that reason, I have always volunteered in the community. I have been assisting with food bank distributions for 20+ years and recently started a homeless kauhale right before COVID when government leaders said they were going to sweep the homeless at Waimanalo Beach Park. Today we have about 60 residents living in tiny houses and raised platform tents. This was done all with donations and no government assistance. We offer GED classes, youth programs, playground for keiki, communal kitchen where residents take turns cooking, plus mental health services and substance abuse treatment by Hina Mauka. Churches, Waimanalo Health Center, and others contribute, too.

Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?

It is important to me to serve the people. I love to serve the poor, the homeless and houseless. I always loved doing this kind of work. If that situation ever happened to me, I would want others to treat me well. We are all equal. This work is important to the community because it gives formerly homeless people a secure and safe place to live. They can lock their belongings and have jobs during the day. They can earn a GED if they don't have a high school diploma. They can learn job skills and have regular medical attention from Dr. Ann and Nurse Brenda who come to the site, plus Waimanalo Health Center.


Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.

I admire aloha for others. I express that by giving aloha to our residents and people in need. Sometimes tough love is important, for example, with our strict policy about substance abuse. Residents with substance abuse problems are required to attend regular drug treatment sessions and work to get off drugs. They must commit to take care of their children, and keep their children from being affected by substance abuse. I admire initiative -- when you see a problem, don't just complain. Step up and help to resolve it.

Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?

My Dad and Mom

What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?

Aloha (love)

What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?

Homelessness