October 30, 2020

“We are helping families and giving
them hope where there may not have been.”

Keʻalohi Myers-Rosa is just as her name implies – brilliant; glittery; sparkly. She exudes warmth and a glowing personality sprinkled with a quiet, calm intelligence. It may have been her childhood training as a hula dancer that gave her the self-assurance she radiates. She shares her story openly with confidence and self-introspection not always apparent in a 23-year-old.

Keʻalohi was temporarily hired at KKV as an Advocate to support the many responsibilities the health center has navigating COVID-related cases in Kalihi. Initially as a new hire, Keʻalohi had opportunities to explore the breadth of programs available to the community. She worked with the testing center, ROOTS Café, and harvesting produce from the garden to feed families.

“What I like most about this journey (job) is the ability to jump around,” Keʻalohi giggles. “Like my Papa told me, ‘Jack of all trades. Master of none.’ And that fits me. I have an interest in everything.”

Her kuleana has shifted these days where she is more involved in data collection and providing economic assistance to families. “After COVID, we need to help families that need to be lifted up a little bit. They need a boost because they may have lost their job. Or maybe one of the family members who pays the bills tested positive. They just need help.”

Job loss has left some Kalihi families struggling to pay for necessities such as food, housing and other essentials. Keʻalohi and the Hui Hoaka hui respond to the community’s needs with compassion, empathy, and plenty of aloha.

“The work we do humanizes the program. We are helping families and giving them hope where there may not have been.”

And that’s why Keʻalohi is our ʻĀina Warrior of the Week. Caring. Genuine. Thoughtful Leader. A “shining” example of what Hawaiʻi can expect from our future generation.