Kamanaopono Krabbe (left) file photo by Wendy O’Sher. Crystal Kaai (right) file photo by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
President Biden has announced his intention to appoint two Native Hawaiians to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Kamanaopono M. Crabbe and Crystal Kaai have been selected to serve on the advisory commission.
Dr. Kamanaopono M. Crabbe is an experienced spokesman and representative for the Native Hawaiian community on Native Hawaiian rights, social inequalities, community health and resilience, and current social, cultural, educational, economic and political issues affecting Native Hawaiians, Hawaii and the Pacific. Dr. Crabbe serves on several high-level policy and governance committees, including the Hawaii State Executive Collaboration Leadership Committee and the Asian American Foundation Advisory Council.
In 2010, he became director of research for the Hawaiian Affairs Office and was named CEO in March 2012. As ka pouhana at OHA, he grounded the organization in kukulu hou, his vision to re-establish and re-create the mana of Native Hawaiian kānaka maoli, and later served as ka pouhana CEO of Iole’s Kohala Institute, leading the organization into a new vision to “become a global leader in sustainable thinking through exemplary 21st century ahupua’a where the land is in charge and people are stewards.”
Article continues below adArticle continues below ad
Currently, Mr. Crabbe serves as Executive Counselor for the Asian Pacific Islander Health Forum, a national health policy advocacy organization based in Washington, DC and San Francisco, Calif. He also serves as a senior executive for the Hawaii Executive Collaborative and is the project lead executive for the Rediscovering the Soul of Hawaii initiative.
Mr. Crabbe has received numerous cultural honors and official awards in recognition of his business leadership and achievements. He serves his community as a Ho’oponopono practitioner, a skilled chanter and speaker, and an expert in “Aha Awa” ceremony and protocol. In 2006, he founded the non-profit organization “Aha Kane: Foundation for the Advancement of Native Hawaiian Men.” He received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has served countless families, youth, and communities as a licensed clinical psychologist for over 12 years.
Crystal Kaai is described as a dedicated public servant with over 14 years of experience in advancing equality for underserved communities. In 2021, she was appointed by President Biden to serve as Executive Director of the White House Initiative and Presidential Advisory Council on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, making her the first Native Hawaiian in history to serve in that role.
Article continues below ad
In this role, she oversees the Biden-Harris Administration’s government-wide strategy to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) communities, including coordinating interagency policy development and external outreach to local, state, and federal stakeholders across the country.
Prior to joining the Administration, she served as Executive Director of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, a bicameral caucus of more than 80 members that advocates for the needs and concerns of the AA and NHPI communities at the federal level. Her public service history also includes positions with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the State of Hawaii Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and the Japanese American National Memorial Foundation.
Kuhio Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, released the following statement about the appointment:
Article continues below ad
“I thank President Biden for appointing Kamanaopono M. Crabbe and Crystal Ka’ai to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Their appointments are not only a recognition of their individual accomplishments, but also a meaningful acknowledgement of the Native Hawaiian community’s ongoing fight for recognition at the federal level. This is a step toward addressing the history of injustices that have affected our people for generations.”
“Kamana’opono and Crystal are deeply rooted in the values of our culture and have long been advocates for our community. Their voices on this committee will ensure that the needs and concerns of lāhui are heard in the White House and across Washington, D.C. They will be a powerful voice advocating for our people’s right to be seen, heard and respected. We are confident that they will represent us with the integrity and passion that our community deserves, and that they will raise the issues that matter most to the future of our ohana and lāhui.”
“We are grateful to President Biden for this opportunity and support Kamanaopono and Crystal as they bring our stories, our struggles and our hopes to the forefront of the national conversation.”
