Celebrating an Amazing Woman
Geri Bell was the first Hawaiian woman superintendent of a national park.
This past Friday, the National Park Service celebrated the 43 year service of Geri Bell, the first Native Hawaiian superintendent of a national park. Starting her career in 1966 at Maui’s Haleakala National Park, Geri rose through the ranks during a time when the the leadership in the National Park Service was comprised of only males. Through hard work, determination and a devotion to our National Parks, Geri became the superintendent of Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and influenced many of the parks in the Pacific Islands and beyond.
During Friday’s celebration, Geri was saluted with tributes from National Park Service leaders from around the nation, which included a letter from Jon Jarvis, the Director of the National Park Service. Having served out her career in the Pacific Islands, Geri saw the number of parks grow from only 3 in 1966 to the current 10 parks and 1 national trail. In commemoration of her dedication to “America’s best idea” Geri received an outpouring of love and appreciation from the National Parks of the Pacific Islands in the form of a flag that flew over the USS Arizona Memorial on Dec. 7, 2007, beautiful hand-made bowls and intricate crafts from the National Park of American Samoa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
As the celebration came to a close, Geri inspired the next generation of National Park Service employees in the Pacific to strive for the highest ideals of public service. Through her dedication to protecting our Nation’s resources and preserving the culture of the Hawaiian people, that is her people, Geri Bell stands alongside the other great Hawaiian women who have come before her.
Geri Bell showing off her skill at hula during the celebration of her service to the National Park Service.
Fee collectors from Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park give Geri a hard time...and her "Lifetime Senior Pass" to all national parks!
National Park employees from all over the Pacific and U.S. Mainland came to celebrate Geri Bell's 43 years of service.
National Park employees celebrating as only the Pacific Island National Parks can!
It is with mixed emotions as i read this note and smile at the photo’s of friends and Geri. I had the honor to work for Geri and my life and career have benfitted from her guidance and grace. She has set a wonderful example of dedication and service, one that we should all strive to achieve.
Ahui Hou Geri!
Congratulations Geri!
Now the real work begins – so many golf putters to select from – hmmm…
Tammy and I wish you many happy years of fun on the golf course, excitement on your travels to see the world, and with all the work Makani Hou will eventually dump on you – nah, nah, a few years on the golf course is enough
With Sincere Aloha,
Paka and Tammy
thank you for the heads up
welina Geri,
Thank you for your compassion that really followed you around wherever you were. I have a special part in my heart for you, you showed so much compassion for my ohana when my mom passed on, I will never forget that.
Also your compassion for growth in the Hawaiian community is great. A great woman like you is very hard to come by, so in you other ventures may gods hand of grace and love always be with you. And I pray for Gods favor in ALL that you do !!!
me ka ha’aha’a
Cynthia
Our family really enjoyed celebrating the retirement of Aunty Geri. We were very proud to witness the many recognitions she accomplished in the National Park Service. As we know her, ” Aunty Geri” , I was not aware of the impacts she had made in the Park Service and also in the Hawaiian community. She leaves behind a legacy that is impeccable! From our family on Maui, I would like to thank all who contributed and helped to make her retirement celebration a success! Congratulations Aunty Geri!
Me ke aloha nui,
Shawn Tu`ivai
Aloha no, Geri:
You are the embodiment of everything pono in the Hawaiian culture.
Aloha nui, Holly
There is and never will be a replacement for Geraldine Bell…they made the mold and broke it.
Such caring, compassion and good sense will be very hard to find.
Me ke aloha a me ka weeha!
Ruby
Congratulations Geri and many thanks for a lifetime of committed service and stellar leadership!!!! You are an inspiration and a tough act to follow!!!!
Kälepa