Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 32, Number 11, 1 November 2015 — WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO VOTE IN THE HAWAIIAN ELECTION [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO VOTE IN THE HAWAIIAN ELECTION

By the Na'i Aupuni Board of Directors

n the month of November, Hawaiians have an opportunity

to participate in a historic election of delegates to an 'Aha, or Hawaiian constitutional convention, to determine whether to reorganize a Native Hawaiian government. More than 90,000 Hawaiians have been certified to take part in the eleehon of delegates and more than 200 Hawaiians have stepped forward to run. The eandidates will vie for 40 delegate positions to the 'Aha. This is an opportunity for Hawaiians to eome together and

talk. What will happen at the 'Aha and what will ultimately be decided is not predetermined. It is, however, an 'Aha for Hawaiians to discuss our future. At the 'Aha, the elected delegates will share, compare and test their diiferent ideas and explore what self-determi-nahon could look like. They may also consider otfering a proposed governing document to registered Hawaiians (or other voter groups if the delegates so decide) for a ratification vote. We would like to share with you why we believe it is important to vote in this election. Hawaiians have historically been frustrated by federal, state and loeal governments exercising decisionmaking authority over issues that are of grave eoneem to us. Those frustrations continue.

Hawaiians have worked hard over the years to regain their lands and their rights. The Hawaiian Home Lands trust, the puhlie land trust, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are attempts to right the wrongs done and retum what was taken. But, like many things, the issues are complicated and the outcomes have not been perfect. The directors of Na'i Aupuni will not determine whieh delegates get elected, nor will they determine what is discussed or agreed upon at the 'Aha; that is for the delegates to decide - delegates elected by Hawaiians. Na'i Aupuni's kuleana is to put the process in mohon and facilitate an eleehon and 'Aha for Hawaiians. The 'Aha has the potential to positively change the lives of Hawaiians for generations to eome. This election and the 'Aha process ean make a positive difference.

We encourage you to be part of that history, to vote and participate.

Mahalo, The Na 'i Aupuni Board of Directors: J. Kūhiō Asam, president Pauline Namu'o, vice president Kealoha Ballesteros, secretary/treasurer Gerry Miyamoto Selena Lehua Schuelke About Na'i Aupuni Na'i Aupuni is an independent organization made up of a

volunteer board of directors from the Hawaiian community. It exists solely to help establish a path for Hawaiian self-determination and is guiding an eleehon, convention andpossible ratiheahon process where all Hawaiians who wish to participate ean be heard. Na'i Aupuni was formed in December 20 1 4 and is separate and independent from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the State of Hawai'i. For further information about Na'i Aupuni and the upcoming elections, please visit http://www.naiaupuni.org/. ■

This aili.ele was submitted by Nai Aupuni. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official posi.ti.on of the Office of Hawai.i.an Affai.rs or the edi.tori.al staff o/KaWaiOla

J EA \ G0VERNANCE

Na'i Aupuni board of directors are, back row from left: Kealoha Ballesteros, Gerry Miyamoto and Lehua Schuelke. Seated, from left: J. Kūhiō Asam and Pauline Namu'o. - Courtesy phoio