Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 27, Number 6, 1 June 2010 — DJOU WINS SEAT IN CONGRESS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DJOU WINS SEAT IN CONGRESS

By Francine Murray KaWai Ola Promoting a platform for fiscal responsibility, Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou took the winner-take-all speeial election to represent the lst Congressional District. Djou will serve the remaining term left by Neil Abercrombie's departure, whieh ends in January 20 1 1 . "We need more private sector jobs not more public sector programs," he said at a debate sponsored by OHA in the weeks leading up the election. "We need a congressman that will fight to lower your taxes and let you keep more of your money." Djou won with 67,610 votes, or 39.4 percent. Democrat Colleen Hanabusa received 52,802 votes, or 30.8 percent, followed by Democrat Ed Case, who received 47,391 votes or 27.6 percent. The final result represented 171,417 ballots or 54 percent of the voters in the district, whieh stretches from East O'ahu to 'Ewa and Mililani. A Honoīuīu Advertiser poll published May 3 showed growing support of the Akaka Bill, with 66 percent of Hawai'i residents saying they supported it. That's an increase over the 63 percent who said they supported it in 2006. With the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act and other Hawaiian issues pend-

ing at the federal level, the three candidates were asked at the May 3 debate about their views on the Akaka Bill, ceded lands and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, whieh includes the Native Hawaiian Education Act, up for reauthorization in Congress. Here are some highlights of Djou's responses: » Federal recognition "I believe as long as the federal government is providing some form of federal recognition for Native American Indians, we should provide some similar form of recognition to Native Hawaiians. But we also must be fair. The finding of the parameter of jurisdiction of the Native Hawaiian Governing Entity should only occur after negotiations with the State of Hawai'i and after public hearings in the State of Hawai'i." » Ceded lands "This has been a long tractable issue in our state. . . . This is why

I think it is important to eventually get federal recognition for a Native Hawaiian governing entity. I believe it is essential that whatever is defined, it should eome only after negotiations with the state and some future Native Hawaiian Governing Entity." » Historic preservation "Making sure that our cultural sites and our beautiful natural environment is preserved must be a key priority for the state, the city as well as the federal government. I believe we need to look at reforming the practices of the State Historic Preservation Division. We need to look at perhaps changing the management, and yes, of course if we need more aggressive federal oversight. That is something I am willing to look at as your next U.S. congressman." » Education "I understand the importance of education. And personally understand the critical importance of Native Hawaiian education here in Hawai'i. That is why it is so critical that we have a balanced congressional delegation that ean speak to both sides of the aisle. And explain to both the republicans and the democrats how important Native Hawaiian education is to the people of Hawai'i, in Washington, D.C." Djou took the oath of office in Washington, D.C., on May 25. Djou's term ends in January and he intends to run for the seat in the fall election. ■

M0ST SUPP0RT HAWAIIAN REC0GNITI0N BILL A Honolulu Advertiser poll published May 3 asked Hawai'i residents if they support the Akaka Bill. Here is howthey responded: 66% — Yes 23% — No 11% — Don't know/refused

Republican Charles Djou, at center, is the new U.S. Congressman elected to fill the remaining term of Neil Abercrombie, whieh ends in January. Pictured here are then-candidates Djou and Democrats Ed Case and Colleen Hanabusa debating issues ranging from the Akaka Bill to historic preservation at a May 3 OHA-sponsored debate televised live on Hawai'i News Now channels. To watch the debate, visit hawaiinewsnow.com. - Photo: Francine Murray