Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 15, Number 4, 1 April 1998 — AUTONOMY BILL [ARTICLE]

AUTONOMY BILL

As a Native Hawaiian in the State House of Representatives who also represents Papakōlea, I am saddened

and hurt to hear that some Hawaiians are not aware of how strongly I opposed House Bill 2340, introduced by Rep. Ed Case, whieh proposed to establish a Native Hawaiian trust corporation. From the outset I said this bill was far too mueh, too soon. Only Hawaiians should be determining our future. Government entities and outside interests don't always serve us best. HB 2340 was bad, as I stated when I walked out of the hearings in protest Jan. 3 1 . It flies in the face of all the Hawaiian community has gained. Hawaiians don't need another corporation - another Bishop Estate. What we need is the ability to perpetuate our culture here in our homeland. We need the opportunity to use our resources to support ourselves and our families. As a member of the House Hawaiian Affairs Committee, it was painful for me to sit through testimony. 1 refused to sign this bill. It has created mistrust, anger and fear. I continue to oppose any efforts whieh will further erode self-determination and self-suffi-ciency. Quentin K. Kawānanakoa House Minority Leader