News Release from Grassroot Institute April 4, 2013

Keli‘i Akina, Ph.D. will be installed as the new President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawai`i on April 6th at the Pa‘ina in the Country public rally to be held at 45-114 Waikapoki Rd. in Kaneohe. Akina succeeds Richard Rowland, Founder and Chairman of Grassroot Institute, Hawai‘i's first and oldest free market think tank and member of the State Policy Network. Business, government and community leaders of diverse political persuasions have expressed support of Akina and his vision.

David Arita, President of American Carpet One stated: "Dr. Keli‘i Akina is a perfect fit for President of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. He is a very smart, articulate, visionary and committed leader.”

Rep. K. Mark Takai (D-Aiea) says: “I am grateful for the impact Dr. Akina has had on my life and the community. Keli‘i stands for a positive vision for all people of Hawai`i. As President of Grassroot Institute, Keli‘i will help make Hawai`i a better place.”

Former Congressman Charles Djou (R-HI) added: “Keli‘i Akina has the breadth of vision and ability to unite and bring people together around real solutions for our state. Our problems are bigger than one party and it takes working together to accomplish a successful vision for Hawai‘i.”

Leilani Williams, General Manager of Salem Media of Hawai’i states: “Dr. Akina is extremely educated and spirited, determined professional in every sense of the word. Dr. Akina is passionate about making the community around him a better place and has volunteered his expertise in many kama‘aina organizations.”

According to Akina, “Working together, which is the value of E Hana Kākou, we can promote the cause of freedom and democracy throughout the Aloha State, our nation, and the world. I am grateful to founder Richard Rowland, the Board of Directors and the supporters of Grassroot Institute for the opportunity to take part in their legacy of service to the people of Hawai‘i.”

The public is welcome to attend the Pa‘ina in the Country event on April 6, from Noon to 2:00 P.M. at 45-114 Waikapoki Rd. in Kane‘ohe (Kane‘ohe Congregational Church grounds). Admission and lunch are free. RSVP here: www.akinapaina.eventbrite.com

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ABOUT AKINA: Dr. Akina is a recognized scholar, educator, public policy spokesperson, and community leader. In 2012, he was a candidate for the non-partisan position of Trustee in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Akina has decades-long experience leading non-profit organizations including Youth for Christ Hawai`i and the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders. An expert in East-West Philosophy, he has taught at universities in China and the United States, and continues as an adjunct instructor at Hawai‘i Pacific University and the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

For more information contact Executive Director Tim Lussier at (808) 591.9193 or tim@grassrootinstitute.org