House honors Herb Lee for decades of work in education and cultural preservation

The House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 206 on a voice vote to honor Herb Lee for contributions to education, cultural preservation and community development in Hawaii.

The resolution recognizes Lee’s long tenure with the Pacific American Foundation, where Representative Martin said Lee served “25 years, first as a contractor, then as executive director for 13 years, then as president and CEO for the last 6 years.” The measure notes programs run on five islands and partnerships with schools and community organizations.

Representative Martin, who offered the resolution, said Lee led initiatives combining Hawaiian cultural practices with STEM education and helped establish the Waikolua Local Fishpond Preservation Society in 1995. Martin described a classroom field trip Lee led at the Waikolua fishpond as an exemplar of his approach to place-based learning: “He assembled them in a circle, explained the purpose of the oli … the students then rotated through stations. They learned about the water flow … and they left connected to that place.”

Representative Matayoshi seconded the motion. Representative Lee (District 50) spoke in support, calling Lee “a family man, mentor, and friend” and highlighting Lee’s emphasis on investing in youth.

The resolution says the Pacific American Foundation, under Lee’s leadership, worked with about 75 employees and contractors, served more than 50 schools, trained over 6,000 teachers and formed more than 200 community and industry partnerships. The resolution was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote; members then recessed for a certificate and presentation to the honoree.

Herb Lee attended the session with family members identified in the record. The House recessed to permit members to meet and congratulate the honorees before returning to business.

The resolution text and the certificate presentation will be entered in the House journal.