Kaleo Josiah

Name Kaleo Josiah

social media @no_matta

Age 36

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 Kaleo Josiah, I'm 36 years old, born and raised in Wailua, Kaua'i but now reside in Anahola, Kauai where I was lucky enough to purchase a home on the homesteads. I am a husband and a father of 6, soon to be 7. I'm a volunteer Kauai Police Activities League Youth Boxing Coach where we teach kids confidence, discipline and leadership; and I am employed at the Navy based on Kaua'i as a Security Officer. I'm also in the process of reapplying as a police officer with Kauai Police Department

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

I grew up with a mom who raised 5 boys on her own. Even though it was extremely challenging, she did her best with what she had. I didn't have the best role models growing up, but I always knew I had an opportunity to make good decisions. As an adult and father, it's important to me that kids and young adults have positive influences and role models and do not become another at-risk statistic. The work I do as a coach is important to my community because of the growing dangers the world is full of. Our keiki must be maka'ala in an ever changing world. As a Kanaka 'Ōiwi, it's important that our keiki understand that their childhood life doesn't need to define them as an adult. We all have choices in life, and we always have the opportunity to do better.

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

Integrity - integrity is important to be because trust built between a leader and their community is a key component to māmua through challenges that our lāhui faces. I hold myself to this standard by living an honest life and making good choices.

Accountability - taking accountability for your actions and shortcomings demonstrates humility and the willingness to do better. I implement this in my life by actively working towards being a better dad, father and person everyday. If I mess up, I acknowledge it, correct it, and do better.

Listening - listening to everyone and not just some. I do this by listening to everyones opinions and thoughts even if I don't agree with them and collaborate to work towards a common ground.

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

I'm inspired by my coach and mentor, Captain Mark Ozaki. Coach Mark was a school resource officer at Kapaa High School when I first met him, and later became my boxing coach and a has had a large impact on my desire to become a police officer.

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

Entreprenuership

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

Housing