VRCH is pleased to introduce Leilani Perkins, a volunteer who has perpetuated goodness in the Aloha and Ohana spirit.

For Leilani, volunteering is a way of life, a value she has accepted from her Samoan and Hawaiian heritage. Leilani contributes at least 500 hours a year as a volunteer in various capacities but especially in her work with children and youth. Her commitment to helping others has its roots in her own childhood.

Leilani, although now a young makua (adult), remembers well the difficulties of growing up in Waipahu, a community that is in much need of the Aloha and Ohana spirit. She was raised there by a single parent and an extended ‘ohana (family). Her mother had a history of substance abuse and domestic violence, but then committed to change for the sake of her children.

Leilani chose to follow her mother’s commitment, and after a period of rebellion and identity with the culture of the streets, she chose to dedicate herself to being a role model to the children in her neighborhood and community. This dedication began when she was just 12 years old, when she served as a peer leader in a CIS program for children and youth.

In 2004, as a senior in high school, Leilani was named the E ‘Ola Pono Youth Awardee, recognizing her unselfish and exceptional service, especially to the children of Waipahu. In 2005, Leilani was asked to return to the awards ceremony as the keynote speaker to encourage that year’s awardees. In 2007, the Shinnyo-en Foundation recognized Leilani as a Presidential Volunteer Service Awardee at their Six Billion Paths to Peace Event in Hawai’i. It is their belief that through serving others, the path to peace can be nurtured.

Not only has Leilani been awarded for her service; Leilani extends that recognition to everyone she meets with a smile that generates from the inside out. She is tenacious in learning and has overcome many challenges from an education system that did not prepare her for college. She is, as Hawaiians say, eleu—one who watches, listens, learns, and does.

Leilani’s dream is to return to Waipahu and teach in the elementary school she attended. She is well aware of the challenges and problems in the schools and within the community, but she is committed to making a difference there, and has since become part of Communities in Schools-Hawaii: A Project of VRCH’s Alaka’i Malama Academy. With dedication and passion, Leilani reached the highest level of responsibility in the Academy, which is the Kahu level. This level of responsibility requires planning and executing a conference for intergenerational leaders statewide. While other students her age were hanging out on the streets, enticed by a culture that values what you have and what you wear, Leilani came to CIS and worked with other students to execute a conference. This great responsibility was carried forth with enthusiasm and resulted in success.

Through her warmth and work, many children acknowledge Leilani as their role model. She is an inspiration and hope for generations to come as Leilani how has affected those who are beginning to assume responsibility in our communities and throughout our state and region. The VRCH-CIS ‘ohana feels fortunate to be part of this extraordinary young woman’s life.