Long-time community advocate, Wally Ishibashi, passed away unexpectedly late last month. Born and raised in Keaukaha, Wally’s ʻohana is from Miloliʻi, South Kona and Kukuihaele, Hāmākua. He retired from ILWU Local 142 FTO and was employed at the University of Hawai’I Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS) as Senior Advisor and Construction and Cultural Program Advisor to the Executive Director since 2014.

Wally’s primary role with CMS was cultural stewardship and project oversight. He served as a cultural and construction monitor for projects and was deeply committed to instilling awareness and understanding about Maunakea’s cultural significance to all who visit, work, and learn there. Wally especially wanted to protect important archaeological and cultural sites for future generations. He has long and strong lineal ties to the mauna which uniquely qualified him for this work.

He was a past Chair of the Big Island Labor Alliance and the AFL- CIO Membership/Community Services Chair. Wally also served on many State and County Boards and Commissions including the Hawaiʻi County Planning Commission, State Aquatic and Wildlife Board, Hawaiʻi Island United Way Board, County Geothermal Working Group as Co-Chair and as the Department of Hawaiian Homelands East Hawaiʻi Commissioner.

One of Wally’s personal priorities was educating our community about the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1820-21 and Admissions Act of 1959. He was actively committed to the betterment of the Hawaiian community with improved opportunities for economic growth, educational advancement, and sustainable agriculture-based businesses to reduce dependence on a tourism based-economy. Wally also focused on health care, alternative energy and the development of economic opportunities as keys for Native Hawaiians to thrive in an ever-changing western world.

In Wally’s words, “100 years of tears is real, broken promises continue. The Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, Statehood Admissions Act needs to be understood by all to expedite the healing process.”

A friend to many and loved by all.

Rest in Aloha, Wally. A hui hou.