Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 21, Number 1, 1 January 2004 — Respecting our differences as Hawaiians [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Respecting our differences as Hawaiians

Mele Kalikimaka and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!!! I want to thank all the people that sent me comments and letters of appreciation from my article in the October issue of the Ka Wai Ola O OHA newspaper. Meanwhile, I got some letters that were opposed to my mana'o about the Akaka Bill; and the capital N and the small n in the word "native." I also eall it ludicrous to say that one group of native Hawaiians are in the capital N group and the other group is identified with the small n. Whoever thought of this idea; iden-

tify yourself. I think you use the capital N at the beginning of a sentence; and the small n in the sentence. We are all native Hawaiians, regardless of the capital N or small n. My comments about the definition of Hawaiian refers to the year 1921 when Congress initiated the 50 percent blood quantum. At that time, I believe every Hawaiian had at least 50 percent blood quantum. Today, we are "descendants" of those "ancestors" who already qualified, and they died. As for the Akaka Bill; your mana'o is as good as my mana'o. It's okay to disagree.

The Akaka Bill allows a process for all Hawaiians (capital N-small n) to create a Hawaiian governing entity. That is why OHA is trying to motivate all Hawaiians to get involved and participate. This entity includes you; and now that you know . . . In the month of November, I attended the National Indian Convention (NCAI), in Albuquerque New Mexico. I think the purpose was to solicit support from the Indian Nations for the Akaka Bill. However, for me, it turned out to be a very educational opportunity to learn all about Indian Affairs. The Indians are not kidding when they

say Nation(s). There are a few hundred different recognized Indian nations; and more want to be recognized just like Hawaiians and Alaskans. There was nothing about Hawaiians. But they are aware some Hawaiians want independence; some want nation-within-a-nation; and some are still learning and undecided. The question is: Do Hawaiians want more than one nation? 'O ia mau nō (same thing), be extra careful during the holidays. Don't drink and drive, mālama one another (take care eaeh other), Happy Holidays! ■

Linda Dela Cruz Trustee, Hawai'i