Daniel Lagmay
Name Daniel Lagmay
Age 28
Town/Moku Anahola
Island Kauaʻi
Leadership Category Mauli Ola
Nominated by Kahealani Peleras
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.
My name is Daniel ‘O ke akua I’a ka pohaku o’ ko’u kaleiola’i Lagmay. My home and birthplace is the beautiful island of Kaua’i. My favorite activities here are surfing, paddling, and diving. Spear fishing is my absolute favorite hobby. It is the most sustainable way of living for me and it keeps me connected and rooted to the ‘āina. For work, I currently am a carpenter. I get to build homes for families to live in. My biggest aspiration however, is to become a firefighter for the county of Kauai, so I may provide and serve the community that has also taken care of me.
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?
Although I am a builder and create homes for ohana to live in, my greatest goal is to become a fireman. I believe that becoming a fireman for the county of Kauai will allow me to do what I truly love the most and that is to make other peoples lives better and safer. It is a selfless way for me to give back to the community and to help preserve the land and all of its inhabitants. The work will allow me to create a safer environment, protect the ‘āina and even safe lives! I don’t know how someone could not want to join an organization like that!
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.
Be bold. Being bold is high on my list as a quality of great leadership. Stand for what you know is right, be able to have tough conversations and be confident in your decisions. Another great quality in leadership is encouragement. I prefer to lead others and demonstrate with encouragement. Rather than scolding, yelling, or guilting the people I work with, I act with patience and encourage people that they can do anything they set their minds to as long as you put the work in!
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?
My parents.
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?
Change
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?
Homes