My name is Renette U‘ilani (Kalua) Haili-Soares. My ohana's roots begin in Keaukaha and flows through Panaewa, up through Kohala, around the island, down to Miloli‘i and out to Puna where I have lived for the past thirty-nine years. In the beginning of those 39 years, I raised my six children and foster children. My cultural roots include readiness, preparedness, a recycle/no-waste mentality, self-sustainability and to uphold my family values: Love; Respect; Hard Work; Education; Honesty; and Helping others.

Medical health challenges, struggles of sexual and physical abuse, depression, neglect and even close encounters of losing my home due to several lava threats are some of the challenges I have faced throughout my life.

Life for me, like so many others, wasn't easy. Everything negative that I had heard growing up and while going through school seemed to be true. Even as a young adult, life led me to believe I would never be good or smart enough for anyone. Love was not an option; and IF I was fortunate enough to find someone, it wouldn’t last. My sense of self-worth was none existent. I had a lot of insecurity and lack of trust. I also found myself easily intimidated especially, by beautiful women whom I thought were intelligent. Struggling through life and going without the simple things just seemed to become normal for me.

Becoming a mother was the greatest gift I could have received. Through the eyes of my babies’, I was able to really believe my life had purpose. Six children later I found myself writing a letter to my children and husband as I tried to see them growing up without me. Why? Because I was told my axillary breast tissue was malignant. I made lots of bad decisions based on fear and stupidity. My plan was to leave my children with my husband and curl up in a corner in the mainland and die. Lucky for me that wasn’t my husband and friend’s plan. With a lot of great support and a new purpose I chose to live life differently.

Guided by my Kupuna and mentors, I embraced education and went back to college. With the support of my husband of 32 years, I was encouraged to dream big. Unafraid of working hard and with the love of my family and friends, I was able to accomplish graduating from college, creating and developing clubs (HSER) that support college students. I now volunteer with a national organization that helps to alleviate pain and suffering (ARC), provide education and support in our community, to enhance great health (HMONO) and to partner with amazing community organizations like Vibrant Hawaii, Merrie Monarch, Department of Parks and Recreation to serve Hawai’i Island.

Oftentimes I am able to assist community members during their lowest points through my volunteering. Sometimes it is when they have lost everything because of a house fire or they feel emotionally torn and like they have nothing else to lose. As I listen to them and if asked, I share the parts of my story that brings hope and encouragement.

Resilience is the empowerment to do great things for others from a personal place of experience. To be successful at building communication, relationships and bridging people as well as organizations. I am blessed to be surrounded by amazing powerful women and supportive men.