Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 1, 1 January 1982 — Legislative Package: A Critical Step [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Legislative Package: A Critical Step

OHA's legislative package for 1982 (see accompanying article) must be viewed as a building block in constructing a better future for Hawaiians throughout the State. It is another step towards achieving our ultimate goals of selfdetermination and self-sufficiency. Like every step from this point on, OHA's package is a critical one because it will be closely scrutinized not only by OHA's supporters but also by those who doubt its effectiveness. In this time of fiscal austerity for all, the package with its attached $2.3 million budget, will be criticized by some as being excessive. Too often, however, those who criticize fail to comprehend the intent and need and, to go beyond the bottom line. It is distressing, forexample, that the various news media chose to emphasize the substantial increase in OHA's budget request without also pointing out the proposed budget is only . 002 percent of the entire State budget. In addition to maintaining and developing programs for the betterment of the conditions of native Hawaiians (50% or more blood quantum), OHA is also mandated by law to develop programs that benefit Hawaiians (less than 50%). The proposed $17,500 annual salary for trustees may also draw the ire of

some. But here too, the intent and need must be clarified. During the past year, the trustees have taken a very active part in OHA's development, and through their participation in numerous community forums, they have encouraged more Hawaiians to become involved in OHA's decision-making. For the duties they have assumed and the time commitments they have made, the trustees are grossly under paid. ($50 a day for eaeh day's actual attendance at meetings). In the performance of these duties, they have often had to use their personal funds to cover expenses. In addition, the proposed annual salary would also serve to encourage and motivate more Hawaiians of lesser means to become candidates for election to the board. The present method of trustee compensation discourages many qualified and knowledgeable people from seeking election simply because they cannot afford to run or do not have the steady source of ineome they would need to sustain themselves and families while serving as a trustee. With board elections coming up late this year, the salary proposal is one that deserves strong consideration and the support of the Hawaiian community.

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