Chief Advisor—Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui
Royal Chancellor and Master of Ceremonies
Joshua Kotter
The title Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui translates to “chiefly thought” or “chiefly ideas” in the Hawaiian language. It reflects the deep wisdom (naʻauao), foresight, and discernment that were hallmarks of the aliʻi class—the hereditary chiefs and leaders of ancient Hawaiʻi. The phrase embodies the intellectual and spiritual responsibilities of leadership: to think not only with knowledge, but with aloha, integrity, and respect for the interconnectedness of land (ʻāina), people (kānaka), and the divine (akua).
Historically, the aliʻi were expected to lead through pono (righteousness) and mālama (care), ensuring harmony and balance within the kingdom. Thus, Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui encapsulates the idea of chiefly wisdom—the ability to make sound judgments grounded in cultural values, moral clarity, and the well-being of the people and the land.
The Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui serves as the Royal Chancellor of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, overseeing the King’s Administration Office, the Office of the Royal Family, and all royal household departments. As chief advisor to the King, this position ensures the smooth operation of royal affairs, upholds proper protocol and tradition, and presides over official ceremonies. The Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui embodies the wisdom and dignity of the aliʻi class—guiding governance, ceremony, and cultural heritage with balance, integrity, and aloha.
About Joshua R. Kotter, Esq., JD, MBA
A former U.S. Army infantryman (11B and 13C, mechanized mortar infantry), Mr. Kotter embodies discipline, resilience, and leadership. His commanding presence—both in stature and character—has defined his professional and personal pursuits. He has held senior executive roles including Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel for multiple hospitals and healthcare organizations, where he led complex mergers, partnerships, and federal negotiations, including historic collaborations between sovereign tribal nations and U.S. agencies.
Mr. Kotter earned his Juris Doctor and MBA from Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated in the top five percent of his class and served as president of two national legal fraternities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Business Administration from Brigham Young University, where he also established a scholarship fund for underprivileged international students.
In addition to his legal and executive work, Mr. Kotter has served in public office, on civic and educational boards, and as a university adjunct professor. A decorated public speaker and dedicated community member, he is also a Master Mason, 32° Scottish Rite Mason, and Knight Templar York Rite Mason.
Above all, Mr. Kotter treasures time with his family and finds fulfillment in family, service, and mentorship.
Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui—High Chief Advisor, Royal Chancellor, and Master of Ceremonies
In the restored Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, the Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui carries forth this chiefly tradition as Royal Chancellor, serving as the chief advisor and principal steward of royal governance, ceremony, and protocol. This position unites wisdom with service — ensuring that the modern administration of the Crown reflects the enduring values, dignity, and sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Oversight of Royal Offices:
- The Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui oversees the operations and coordination of the King’s Administration Office, the Office of the Royal Family, and all Royal Household departments that support the Crown’s constitutional, ceremonial, and cultural functions.
- This includes maintaining effective communication, management, and accountability across all offices serving under royal appointment.
Guardian of Protocol and Tradition:
- As Master of Ceremonies, the Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui presides over royal events, investitures, and state occasions, ensuring that every proceeding honors the sacred customs (kuleana kapu) and royal traditions of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
Advisor on Governance:
- The Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui serves as the King’s principal advisor on all governance offices of the Kingdom, providing oversight, coordination, and counsel to ensure unity, efficiency, and alignment with the Crown’s directives. This includes advising on the organization, policies, and conduct of all offices, ministries, island governance bodies under the authority of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
- Serves as the chief counsel and confidant to the King, providing wise and balanced guidance on matters of governance, state policy, royal appointments, and international representation—upholding the unity between cultural wisdom and administrative leadership.
Steward of Royal Dignity:
- Ensures that the decorum, prestige, and moral standard of the Crown are upheld in all public and private affairs, representing the monarchy with integrity, humility, and aloha in both domestic and international contexts.
Spiritual and Cultural Role:
The Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui is not only an officer of governance but a guardian of the spiritual essence of leadership — a living bridge between the aliʻi of old and the present-day Kingdom. Through wisdom (manaʻo), ceremony, and counsel, this role preserves the sacred harmony between authority, tradition, and service to the people.
EMERITUS
Chief Advisor—Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui
Lanny Sinkin
Aliʻi Manaʻo Nui, Lanny Sinkin served KA MŌʻĪ, EDMUND KELI‘I PAKI-SILVA JR., Ali‘i Nui Mō‘ī for over 20 years.
