Mrs. Hawaii gearing up for national competition

Christie Oclaray’s 6-year-old daughter views her mom as a princess. "I have the crown. For her it’s all about the glitz and glamour," Oclaray said.

Her teen daughter has a different perception. She sees the importance of being a good role model, Oclaray explained. "The kids volunteer with me, so they see how you can give back," she said.

Oclaray was crowned Mrs. Hawaii in the local pageant May 29 and will head to Las Vegas to compete in the national Mrs. United States pageant Aug. 3 and 4 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. She is hosting a fundraiser today at The Shack Mililani to offset her expenses.

All of the Mrs. United States contestants are married and have children, and like Oclaray, they are juggling manifold responsibilities. Oclaray has been married to her husband, Thaddeus, for eight years, and they have three children: Kealani, 16, T.J., 13, and Tonie-Kaprice, 6.

"My husband really helps me. And, in Hawaii, we live in a close-knit community where grandmas, aunties and uncles and even friends help out. We are raised to give back and be helpful," she said.

All the help is appreciated, as Oclaray is deep in preparation for the interview, swimsuit and evening gown competitions at the national pageant.

"I need to work out religiously. Sometimes it’s hard to balance home, work and the title," she said.

The reigning Mrs. Hawaii said she’s eager to meet the other 53 contestants in Las Vegas.

"I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded people. It’s nice to know you can still pursue your dreams and make a difference in the community," she said.

Oclaray works as vice president of human resources and administration for Aloha United Way and as a lecturer at Leeward Community College. Her volunteer experiences at the Next Step Shelter and IHS women’s and children’s shelter, along with her work with AUW, led Oclaray to focus on "strengthening the family unit" as a pageant platform.