Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 04, 1 April 2003 — Leo 'Elele [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Leo 'Elele

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Creation of a nation needs acceleration Dante Keala CarPenter Trustee, O'ahu

Aloha mai kākou. This artiele continues the discussion of Goal 6. In conjunction with the goal of nationhood, "By 2007 OHA shall have assisted, coordinated and established the creation of a unified Hawaiian Nalion." Recently seven trustees returned from Washington, D. C., in eonjunction with a successful Senate (Indian Affairs Cfommittee) hearing on the "Akaka Bill" (S. 344) on February 25. In addition to the strong testimony offered by Congressman Case, Governor Lingle, Chairperson Apoliona, Delegate Faleomavaenga of Sāmoa and DHHL Director Mieah Kane also testified in support. Others attending the hearing, in addition to trustees Carpenter, Machado, Mossman, Stender, Waihe'e and Akana were Board Counsel Robert Klein, Administrator Clyde Nāmu'o and key staffers Nani Lee, Peter Yee and Martha Ross, newly situated Washington, D. C. office manager. Also travelling with the trustees were Tony Sang, State Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations president and Charles Rose, president of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs. After meeting with our delegation, Senators Inouye and Akaka, Congressmen Abercrombie and

Case, we were notified that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs had set March 20 as the deadline for puhlie comment. Thereafter, S. 344 will go through "mark up" (amendments) and be ready for sending to the floor of the Senate for discussion and hopeful passage. Governor Lingle may be a key supporting figure, particularly with the Republican Administration and Senate leadership. Obviously, time is of the essence. Not only to meet the goal, but, because of pending lawsuits whieh threaten to undermine the very existence of OHA & DHHL! Therefore, the goal needs to be accelerated within the next several years! I concur with certain concerns that federal legislation should not hinder or impair the "self determination" aspect of the Hawaiian people's prerogatives. Moreover, our delegation assured OHA trustees that S. 344 language does not hinder or impair any international ("independence") prerogatives. S. 344 does discuss the notion of nation-to-nation status within the Federal context ("integration"). However, S. 344, in its present format or language, does not create a Native Hawaiian governing entity, but, rather leaves that job to the Hawaiian people to determine.

When the governing entity is ultimately determined, it will be subject to review and approval in accordance with Section 6. PROCESS FOR THE RECOGNITION OF THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN GOVERNING ENTITY. This process will certify that the "organie documents" adopted by the elected officers of the Native Hawaiian governing entity meet the "certification" requirements, listed in part: (i) establish criteria for citizen ship; (ii) adopted by a majority vote of citizens; (iii) provide for exercise of governmental authorities; (iv) provide for NH governing entity to negotiate with federal, state & loeal governments and others; (v) prevent sale, disposition, encumbrance of lands without consent; (vi) provide for protection of civil rights of citizens; and (vii) consistent with applieahle federal law and special trust relationship with U. S., etc. Chairperson Apoliona's testimony in support of federal recognition is subject to amendments whieh OHA will forward to the delegation prior to the deadline of March 20. OHA's trustees recognize the

impending loss of $30 - 40 million annually in direct federal aid for health, education, housing and eeonomie development for Hawaiians would be devastating. OHA's strategic plan notes that "Native Hawaiian leaders must work together to unify Native Hawaiians by providing clear, eoncise information on all models of sovereignty in a moderated discussion within a safe environment. A well funded, well planned and fairly managed project will enlighten and educate the Hawaiian eommunity and motivate the kind of interest that leads to involvement in the processes of decision-making on questions of sovereignty, selfgovernance and self-determination." OHA invites all Hawaiian civic, cultural, professional and athletic organizations and all interested parties to participate in discussions related to federal recognition and nationhood. OHA will participate as a facilitator in future meetings that will be publicized and held statewide, as well. Finally, my staff and I invite your advice and counsel on the above or any other concerns within our purview. My OHA access numbers are: phone 594-1854, fax 594-0210 and email address dantec@oha.org. Aloha pumehana. A hui hou. ■