Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 20, Number 8, 1 August 2003 — ʻAha ʻŌpio youth leaders discuss Native Hawaiian self-governance [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ʻAha ʻŌpio youth leaders discuss Native Hawaiian self-governance

By Sterling Kini Wong For the 16th straight year, Native Hawaiian students took over both the House and Senate Chambers at the Hawai'i state Capitol, and heeame politicians for a week. Twenty-eight Native Hawaiian high school juniors participated in OHA's leadership development program, called 'Aha 'Ōpio o OHA, whieh simulates the legislative process, educating students on puhlie speaking, parliamentary procedure and group political interaction. "Our goal is to help these students build leadership skills and prepare them to be our future leaders and citizens who are comfortable being involved in the community," said OHA Program Specialist Ka'iulani Vincent, who directs the 'Aha 'Ōpio program. This year, the students embraced the task of deliberating as legislators of a new Native Hawaiian government, addressing issues that such a government would likely encounter. The students drafted and debated bills on issues ranging from medical coverage of Native Hawaiians to the establishment of "Hawai'i Pono'i' as the national anthem.

Vincent explained that it was a challenge for both staff and students to adjust their mode of thinking from discussing issues pertinent to the state Legislature to issues relating to the Native Hawaiian government. "These are issues that these students will face," she said. "Eventually, we will all need to change our mindset and start thinking about Native Hawaiian governance." The students were granted access to the Puhlie

Access room and the Legislative Reference Bureau's Library for research on the bills they drafted. 'Aha 'Ōpio o OHA funded students' interisland travel expenses to attend the program. The students, who eame from as far away as Texas, stayed at the Hale Aloha 'Ilima, a dormitory at the University of Hawai'i, from June 22 to 27. ■

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Discussing issues of the Hawaiian nation — Youth delegates David Keli'i'aukai Doll (left) and Lueianne Pahia Pukahi, both students at Waiakea High School, and Kelden Akoni Waltjen of St. Joseph High School, take part in closing ceremonies of 'Aha 'Ōpio o OHA at the House Chambers of the Hawaii State Capitol. 'Aha 'Ōpio o OHA is a youth leadership development program for Native Hawaiian high school juniors.