Darius Kila
Name Darius Kila
Social Media @dariuskila
Age 26
Town/Moku Nānākuli
Island Oʻahu
Leadership Category Civic Engagement/Emerging Law
Nominated by Shanztyn Nihipali
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.
Aloha, My name is Darius Kila and I am a lifelong resident of the Leeward coast of O'ahu. I am the child of Stephen & Heide Kila, the tallest of seven siblings and a proud owner of my shelter dog Maile. A graduate of Kapolei High School '13 and recently completed my Communication studies with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism from Southern Oregon University.
When I am not assisting my 'ohana with our small family business a lot of my time I am looking to engage, advance & serve our community in different capacities. I was elected to the Nānākuli/Mā'ili Neighborhood Board NO. 36 in June 2021 and have the role of our board Secretary and Treasurer. I am also an intern for Hawai’i State House District 43, Office of Representative Stacelynn Eli and a member of the Young Democrats of Hawai’i.
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?
The work means so much to me, but I don't view it as a work and that is what makes it so fun. I know the work I do is important, but it is important to me because I know it is my responsibility. As a young person, folks my age need to engage in the processes we have to advance our communities. When folks are absent from the discussions & table, decisions are made sometimes without our best intentions in mind. I’d like to hope & believe that through my work, I can advocate for everyone’s best interest, but also with the young folks & families in mind.
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.
I admire many things of leaders, but one quality that truly stands out the most to me are leaders who posses passion.
A passionate leader is someone who genuinely cares. They care about the work they do & will always prioritize their communities they represent.
In my work, I always invest my entire self into all I do. My parents always told me growing up that if I am not passionate about the work I do, don’t do it. So when I engage in the work & advocacy I do, I think about my passion & why I do it. Through knowing my passion & knowing my intention, I’m able to be a passionate leader.
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?
There are several people who’ve inspired me to do the work I’m doing.
The first person who has inspired me to do the work I am doing is my grandma. I’ve always looked to make my grandma proud & I hope through the work I do I am able to make her proud.
The second person who has inspired me is my high school student government teacher is Mr. Robin Ogino. Mr. Ogino always saw the best in me in times when I didn’t necessarily feel or see that in myself. He pushed me to be the leader he knew I could be & I hold his lessons who taught me very near & dear to my heart.
Lastly, the person who has inspired me the most is my District Represenative, Stacelynn Eli. She is a mentor I admire & look up to dearly. Stacelynn took me under her wing from the beginning & by example, she’s influenced me to be a great leader.
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui? Young Kānaka
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui? Housing Insecurity