Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 13, Number 11, 1 November 1996 — Sovereignty movement needs unity to succeed [ARTICLE]

Sovereignty movement needs unity to succeed

I represent no special interest or group agenda when I offer the following. I believe that indeed the time is overdue for the Hawaiians people to be self governed. That the great expanse of water we eall the Pacific Oeean did nothing to halt the "Westward Ho" eall of the "Wagon Train Immigration," whieh has changed the face of our nation, and forever, the lives of indigenous peoples, whereever this "movement" has eome. Note that, no movement for change or poliheal ideal, ean ever succeed or be sustained without, popular support, unity on the part of those wishing change, and a clear objective of the goal being sought. If there is dissension within a movement and no unified agenda and presentation the battle or goal is lost at the beginning. The various factions of the sovereignty movement must put aside their

individuality of purpose and unite for the greater good — in a form of government whieh would bring the most benefit on as many levels as possible. The fragmentation in and sometimes by the media, compounds these issues creates. Please try to work together as a family. I am not Hawaiian, but part Ameriean Indian. I feel for these issues. John A. Sutherland Maui, Hawai'i