Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 35, Number 1, 1 January 2018 — (RE) MEMBERING LĀHUI [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

(RE) MEMBERING LĀHUI

MO'OLELO NUI v C0VER FEATURE f

IN 1778, 240 YEARS AGO, Capt. James Cook sailed into Hawaiian waters, an arrival that has left an indelible mark on our history, introducing devastating epidemic diseases to a thriving lāhui, eroding traditional government structures and dramatically altering Hawai'i's economy. These changes paved the way for Ka Māhele in 1848, a drastic shift from the traditional land use system to a Western model allowing private ownership. Redistributing the 'āina led to native land dispossession while foreigners amassed large tracts of land and established vast sugar plantations that grew to dominate the economy. Sugar growers gained poliheal clout, as did successful American entrepreneurs. In 1893, backed by the U.S. military, they overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy. In 1993, then-President Bill Clinton eommem-

orated the centennial of the overthrow with the Apology Resolution to Native Hawaiians, formally acknowledging the U.S. govemment's role in the eoup against Hawai'i's last remaining monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani. But 2018 represents more than a reminder to reflect on what's been lost. This December, the first Hawaiian civic club tums 100. The Hawaiian Civic Club of Honolulu was established by Prince Johah Kūhiō in 1918 to elevate the status and well-being of his people and preserve Hawai'i's culture. Today there are 58 Hawaiian civic clubs throughout the pae 'āina and on the continent, community-based grassroots organizations committed to uplifting the Hawaiian people. The 1978 Constitutional Convention four decades ago put into plaee protections for traditional and customary

practices, promoted cultural preservation and created the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to address historical injustices and the resulting challenges. The "Con Con" also made 'ōlelo Hawai'i an official state language, and Hawaiian language and culture-based education have since gained a foothold in the public school system. Now in its 30th school year, the Hawaiian language immersion program is helping revitalize the language with kaiapuni programs offering instruction in 'ōlelo Hawai'i to 2,800 keiki a year. "This year is really about doing right by our people and galvanizing our collective mana," said OHA Ka Pouhana/ CEO Kamana'opono Crabbe. "This is about unifying the different spectrums of our community, regardless of political ideology, education and cultural background." ■

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