KEN IGE / KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM Sauao Stowers and about 35 others demonstrated in front of Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services yesterday demanding the resignation of board members.
About 35 Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services residents and supporters demonstrated for the second time in a week yesterday, protesting the resignation of the program's founder. Residents again
By Helen Altonn
protest Kokua Kalihi
haltonn@starbulletin.comThey are demanding that Kokua Kalihi Valley board members resign or resolve a conflict leading to the resignation of Executive Director Jory Watland, who has led the facility for 30 years.
The center at the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Community Complex, 2239 N. School St., provides health and human services to an average of 5,000 area residents.
Demonstrators issued a statement referring to the essay "Broken Trust" written in 1997 by five distinguished Hawaiian citizens accusing Bishop Estate trustees of mismanagement. They said, "KKV is currently going through its own 'Broken Trust,' with board power and manipulation" resulting in Watland's resignation as executive director Jan. 31. He said the board's interference in daily operations hampered his ability to do his job.
Board President Geoffrey Pang could not be reached for comment.
Member Ed Kemper said, "It's very unfortunate that he (Watland) left under these circumstances." He said he could not discuss details because it is a personnel matter, but stressed, "There is no issue of fraud or money issues or anything like that. ...
"There is no one on the board who doesn't appreciate what Jory has done for the organization," Kemper said, explaining the problems stem from a difference "over the philosophy of who has the power to make ultimate decisions."
He said KKV will continue doing what it has always done to support the community with medical, dental and social services.
Myrna Cooper, one of the first bilingual aides when the program began, said residents are calling the 14 board members individually and asking them to resign "for the sake of the community." She said the staff "is scared ... walking on pins and needles."
Cooper said the community wants the board to represent the valley's Filipino, Samoan, Hawaiian and immigrant populations, which it does not now.
Marchers praised Watland's leadership in developing a five-member staff and $30,000 budget into a multiple-location system with a new, expanded health center, a $5 million budget and a staff of 100.
Elsie Tuttle and other members of the Women's League of Central Union Church joined the demonstration. She said the league has contributed money to KKV every year since it started because of Watland's vision. "As an outsider, I can't see any reason not to support Jory Watland and the staff."
Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
