Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 1, 1 January 2023 — HAKUONE [ARTICLE]

HAKUONE

Continued from page 11 gotten resort developer, now prevents OHA from building residential units for Hawaiians and other loeal families - despite the sprawling development unfolding across the street. The law was, and is, a restriction that greatly reduces the actual value of the land. When the 2012 deal was made, lawmakers promised to change the law - but that never happened. Meanwhile, our civic leaders readily welcomed the erection of condo towers with individual units priced in the millions and out of reach for the majority of Native Hawaiians and other loeal people. Hawai'i's leaders must fully meet their longstanding obligation to our Indigenous people and allow OHA to greatly broaden the mix of residential options in Kaka'ako. Honolulu remains at a crossroads and needs to consider its past, present, and future. Hakuone will honor the past and elevate Hawaiian culture and values; it will be designed and built in Hawai'i by loeal experts and loeal workers and will prioritize loeal needs. It's time to finally let Native Hawaiians do what's best for Hawai'i. ■ Ryan Kawailani Ozawa is an independent Native Hawaiian journalist focused on Hawai'i's innovation ecosystem, sustainability, and Indigenous knowledge. A graduate of Mililani High School and the father of three, he holds a degree in journalism from the University ofHawai'i.