Marilyn Leimomi Khan
Name Marilyn Leimomi Khan
Age 78
Town/Moku Kaka'ako/Ala Moana
Island Oʻahu
Social Media Handle kalihipalama@org
Nominated by Juanita Mahienaena Brown Kawamoto
Leadership Category Civic Engagement/Emerging Law
Share with us a little about yourself and what you do.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii; raised in Punchbowl, Kaimuki, and Guam. Decendent of John and Kahikina Lowell and parents, Mary Magdalene Kahookahiki Levy and Kam Tong Suinn. Graduate of the Academy of our Lady of Guam and student at the College of Guam and the University of Hawaii. Retired in September 2005 from the US Air Forces, Pacific Air Forces as Chief of Human Relations and Equal Opportunity Operations with oversight of such programs at six Pacific Air Force locations. Values shaped by Hawaiian Mother and Stepfather; Chinese father; Japanese Godmother and Portuguese Godfather; hanai by Hawaiian and Chinese kupuna. Raised with children with physical limitations. Advocate for Hawaiian wellbeing influenced by hula and mele learned from Na Kumu Hula Alice Namakelua (as a keiki); Lillian Aquai and Edith Kawelohea McKinzie (from whom graduated as Kumu Hula); and Maiki Aiu Lake. Advocacy skills learned through various leadership roles with the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs as the President of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu, President of the Kalihi Palama Hawaiian Civic Clubs, President of the O'ahu Council, and President, Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; and as Chair of the Hawaiian Affairs Caucus, Democratic Party of Hawaii(DPH) and O'ahu Council Committee representative to the State Central Committee (governing body) of the DPH. Greatest influence on my advocacy work: Dr. Lynette Cruz, Jalna Keala, Charlie Rose, Haunani Apoliona, Gov John Waihee, my nephews, nieces, and grand nephew and nieces
Why is the work that you do important to you? The community?
Interesting question; I have never thought about why I do what I do. There is a saying that you are what you were when, and so I'd have to say the work is important to me as a legacy to all who have shaped my values and because I likewise want to inspire my nephews and nieces to continue that legacy. I am proud that several of them are continuing to make a difference at the grassroots level in their communities, such as Dr. Katie Leimomi Kamelamela in the field of botany; Justine Kamelamela Rawlins in the field of farming; Donovan Kaholokahiki Morgan in the field of economic development; Jack Jay Kealiikuaina Morgan in the field of Information Technology; Allison and Kristen Ching in the field of medicine; and Ralph Hasegawa in the field of military affairs. For the community, each of us plays an important role in uplifting Native Hawaiians. I help to serve as a conduit connecting and applauding the work of many Native Hawaiians since positive messages motivate; and communicating their good work to the broader community helps to educate and bring respect to Native Hawaiian people and their culture. Lastly, advocacy at the legislature helps to shape laws beneficial to the Native Hawaiian community.
Share with us the qualities of leadership you admire and how you express those in your life.
I admire the qualities of "servant" leaders who "listen" to diverse views; who walk the talk (take action) to stand up for Native Hawaiians; and who cultivate the next generation of leaders. I express these qualities by organizing meetings on key issues of concern to the Native Hawaiian community and that assure opportunity for all to listen and learn about diverse views on issues and to incorporate those views in making important decisions. I also do my best to mentor and to create opportunities for young adults and others in our community to ascend to higher levels of leadership by appointment to committees; by elevation to officer positions; by nominating them to the legislature and other organizations to serve on important decision making committees; by just being there in their time of need for support.
Who has inspired you to do the work that you are doing?
Catherine Teruko Moranha, my godmother; and Elton Marvin Bradley, a former boss
What is one word that describes something you are excited about for the lāhui?
Empowerment.
What is one word that describes a pressing issue that is facing our lāhui?
Economic stability (having the means to pay for essential life needs, such as housing, education, health in these challenging times of COVID.