Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 05, 1 May 2003 — Nation building in whatever form Hawaiians choose is an urgent, serious matter [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Nation building in whatever form Hawaiians choose is an urgent, serious matter

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Dante Keala Carpenter Trustee, O'ahu

Aloha mai kākou. In conjunction with the goal of Nationhood, my previous article was entitled "Creation of a Nation needs Acceleration." My fellow Hawaiians, let's get serious! Let's discuss the business of the Nation, the Native Hawaiian Nation, that is! So, whieh one will it be? (1) the Independent Nation of Hawai'i, (2) the Independent Nation of Hawai'i in a Compact of Free Association, or (3) the Integration model of the Nation of Hawai'i within the federal context nation-to-nation status? An Independent Nation status ean only be pursued through International efforts such as the World Court and/or the United Nations. Moreover, certain praiseworthy individual efforts are presently under way for the reinstatement or recognition of the former Hawaiian Nation in both World Court Proceedings and through United Nation's Committees regarding colonialism and rights of indigenous peoples. While there is ample evidence in the history of Hawai'i to justify these efforts, they

may not eome to fruition in the foreseeable future. Therefore, a necessary first step is the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' commitment to Federal Recognition of Native Hawaiians to create parity between Native Hawaiians, Native Americans (Indian Tribes) and Alaska Natives. The Akaka Bill, S. 344, relates to 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. OHA's effort thus have become two-pronged: First, to pursue Federal Recognition for Native Hawaiians and second, (concurrently) to advocate, educate and facilitate the creation of a Native Hawaiian governing entity. Obviously, time is of the essence. Not only to meet the goals but, because legal attempts to diminish Hawaiian Rights and Native Rights in general threaten to undermine the very existence of OHA and DHHL!

Furthermore, the currentr unfriendly atmosphere of the United States Supreme Court relating to native rights exacerbates the quest for nationhood. Therefore, an immediate effort must be undertaken to establish a Native Hawaiian government entity. OHA's strategic plan notes that "Native Hawaiian leaders must work together to unify Native Hawaiians by providing clear, concise 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 community and motivate the kind of interest that leads to involvement in the processes of decision-making on questions of sovereignty, self-gov-emanee and self-determination." While the purpose of OHA includes "the betterment of conditions of native Hawaiians and Hawaiians," it is the only officially recognized and elected body representing the Native Hawaiian people. Individuals or groups of Hawaiians who oppose the Akaka Bill are

encouraged to seek their own remedies to sovereignty issues. OHA wishes them well and will, in the interest of faimess, allow their voices (often dissenting) to be expressed through the print media "Ka Wai Ola o OHA" in upcoming issues. Meanwhile, OHA will continue its efforts in support of activities related to the federal political process of S. 344, the Akaka Bill. 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 eonlinue to participate as a facilitator, enabler and coordinator in support of nation building. Finally, as always, my staff and I invite your advice and counsel on the above or any other concems within our purview. My OHA access numbers are: phone 594-1854, fax 594-0210 and email - dantec@oha.org. A hui hou, aloha pumehana. ■