HONOLULU –
Maj. Gen. (Ret) Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum has dedicated decades of service to the Army and to Soldiers of Hawaii. Her vision and advocacy helped shape and define a space for the U.S. Army to create a peaceful, prosperous Indo-Pacific region through people-to-people connections, education and empowerment.
Her unfailing contributions and commitments to the pacific and Army community was key in her receiving Mana O Ke Koa award on June 12, 2025.
Vares-Lum was born and raised in Wahiawa, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, where she majored in journalism and earned a master’s degree in education at University of Hawaii-Manoa.
Currently, Vares-Lum serves on several nonprofit boards, including the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region. She proudly stands as a member of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research and the U.S. Japan Council.
U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General, Gen. Ronald P. Clark had the honor of presenting the prestigious community service award to Vares-Lum, he stated, “Suzanne serves as a role model for how to build community. She has influenced generations of Hawaiians, Soldiers, Families, non-profits, and academics to create connections. Today, the Army, Hawaii, the Indo-Pacific, and the World – are better places because of Suzanne.”
“I'm sincerely humbled to be a part of this ceremony, because I believe that this award is really not about me. It's about this spirit that so many of you display, day in and day out. This a place not just for the United States, but for our allies and partners in the Indo Pacific, and for our community,” said Vares-Lum.
Veras-Lum served 34 years in the United States Army, and her military journey started as a private first class and ended as a two-star general. Within her military career she has served within three components, Active Duty, National Guard and the Reserves.
She has deployed to Iraq with the Hawaii National Guard as an intelligence officer. Vares-Lum has led a diverse group of military intelligence servicemembers including, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and Sailors. She has served at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command at Camp Smith after key roles that addressed the priority of national-security challenges in the region.
During her time as President of the East-West Center, Vares-Lum oversaw the center’s recovery from pandemic lockdowns and worked closely with the institution’s board, staff, and stakeholders to implement EWC’s first new formal strategic plan in nearly two decades. Both government and private funding increased, and enrollment in EWC’s programs have reached some of the highest levels in several decades.
Vares-Lum has also aided in building a collaboration between the East-West Center and the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. Vares-Lum hopes her servant leader outlook will help her create good governance across the Pacific and mentor the next generation of leaders on all platforms of life.
“The inaugural Mana O Ke Koa award was presented in 2007, and each year the award continues to symbolize the commitment to recognizing and fostering positive relations between the local community and the Army. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the award.”
Below is a list of past Mana O Ke Koa award recipients:
• 2007- William W. Paty, Jr. (Legendary Hawai'i WWII Veteran, D-Day Paratrooper, POW; Civic Leader and Civilian Aide to SECARMY Emeritus)
• 2008- Ms. Pasha Baker (Employer Support to Guard and Reserve Ambassador, Civic Leader)
• 2009- Hon. Linda Lingle (Hawai'i Governor, Military Supporter/Army Community Covenant)
• 2010- Mr. Ken Bailey (Chamber of Commerce Armed Services Committee)
• 2011- Ms. Carole Kai (Great Aloha Run founder, Carole Kai Charities have made donations to Army MWR)
• 2012- Mr. Albert Silva (Outspoken Army Supporter, Waianae Civilian Advisory Board, Makua Military Reservation)
• 2013- Senator Daniel K. Inouye (Legendary Hawai'i Soldier and Statesman, Posthumous)
• 2014- Mr. David Carey (Military Supporter, Outrigger CEO, Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce)
• 2015- Hon. Ed Kubo (Hawai'i Judge, Veterans Treatment Court)
• 2016- Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (Legendary Hawai'i Soldier and Statesman)
• 2017- Rep. K. Mark Takai (Hawai'i Soldier/Statesman, Posthumous)
• 2018- Mr. Allen K. Hoe (Vietnam Veteran, Civ Aide to SECARMY)
• 2019- Ed Gayagas (Vietnam Veteran, University of Hawai'i Fallen Warrior Memorial)
• 2020- Domingo Los Banos (World War II veteran, Outspoken Filipino veteran supporter, Posthumous)
• 2021- Maj. Gen. (Retired) Robert Lee (Former Hawai'i Adjutant General, Chinese American WWII Veterans Recognition advocate)
• 2022- Gen. (Retired) David Bramlett (Vietnam War infantryman, Former U.S. Army Forces Command commander)
• 2023- Command Sgt. Maj. (Retired) Henry N.J. Lee (WWII, Korea, Vietnam veteran, Posthumous)
• 2024- Ms. Jennifer Sabas, Community Leader, former Chief of Staff, Senator Inouye