Kahoʻolawe commission adopts resolutions honoring Commissioner Anela Evans and retiring deputy attorney general Daniel Morris

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission adopted two resolutions on Aug. 21 recognizing Commissioner Anela Evans for her four years of service and honoring Deputy Attorney General Daniel (Dan) Morris upon his retirement after 12 years advising the commission.

The commission read and discussed lengthy appreciation resolutions outlining Evans’s background in Hawaiian cultural practice, her volunteer leadership with Protect Kahoolawe Ohana and her role in coordinating joint projects, and Mr. Morris’s legal service in restructuring stewardship agreements and providing ongoing counsel.

Commissioner Chock moved adoption of the two resolutions and Commissioner Chang seconded. A roll call recorded aye votes from the chair, Vice Chair Saito, Commissioner Chang, Commissioner Chock, Commissioner Mata Alpha and Commissioner Payne. The motion carried unanimously. Chair and commissioners indicated they would circulate the signed resolutions to state and county officials and to partner organizations.

Why it matters The resolutions formally acknowledge two individuals who have contributed to Kahoʻolawe stewardship: a current commissioner with deep cultural and volunteer ties, and a deputy attorney general whose legal work supported the commission’s agreements and policy work. The commission said both will continue to advise and support Kahoʻolawe efforts.

What’s next Staff said commissioners will sign the resolutions and distribute copies to the Hawaii congressional delegation, the governor, the county mayor, Protect Kahoolawe Ohana and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, as noted in the resolutions.